Charlton Heston

Richard Matheson has led a long and interesting life. Born in Brooklyn he started his writing career when some of his short stories were published in 1950. The author's subsequent career, spanning 60 years, including writing scripts for The Twilight Zone, Family Guy, Ghost Story and Jaws 3-D. His most famous work is I Am Legend, a post-apocalyptic horror which follows one man's life pitted against vampires whilst he is isolated in deserted Los Angeles.

I Am Legend has been adapted three times since its publication in 1954. The first starring Vincent Price, the second Charlton Heston and in 2011 Will Smith took on the role. The novel has been critically acclaimed and continues to challenge vampire novelists in developing an idea as original as Matheson's.

Director Steven Spielberg paid tribute to the late author saying in a statement "Richard Matheson's ironic and iconic imagination created seminal science-fiction stories and gave me my first break when he wrote the short story and screenplay for Duel." 

Continue reading: Richard Matheson, Author Of 'I Am Legend', Dies

Herbert Lom, the actor best known for playing Charles Dreyfus in the Pink Panther movies, has died aged 95. He may have starred alongside Hollywood greats Kirk Douglas, Charlton Heston and Alec Guinness, he may have portrayed historical figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte, but it will be his performance alongside the hapless Inspector Clouseau (played by Peter Sellers) for which he will be most fondly remembered.

The family of the Czech-born star confirmed that he died peacefully in his sleep, Sky News report today (September 27, 2012) and his son Alec Lom has spoken of his long and varied career. “Like many actors, he never wanted to be pigeon-holed in a particular role,” his son revealed. “After having played the role of East European gangster in many films, it was a delight to him later in his career to be cast by Pink Panther producer and director Blake Edwards in a comedy role opposite Peter Sellers, and he hugely enjoyed that move.”

Alec also spoke fondly of his father’s working relationship with Sellers, saying “he had many funny stories about the antics that he and Peter Sellers got up to on the set. It was a nightmare working with Peter because he was a terrible giggler and, between my father and Peter's laughter, they ruined dozens and dozens of takes.”

Oscar winning actor Charlton Heston has died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 84.

Heston's family have said a private memorial service will be held for the star who revealed that he had been diagnosed with symptoms similar to those linked with Alzheimer's disease in 2002. No announcement has been made about the cause of the actor's death.

Heston first gained fame through his role as a ringmaster in the film The Greatest Show on Earth in 1952. He was seen as one of the leading stars of an era in which Hollywood made grand epics based on historical and biblical stories.

Two of his most famous roles were as Moses in The Ten Commandments and Ben-Hur, a film set in Roman times in which he played a Jewish prince sent to the gallows after being betrayed by his friend. Ben-Hur went on to win 11 Oscars including the best actor prize for Heston, who played the lead in the film.

In a statement, his family said: "To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support.

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country.

"In his own words, 'I have lived such a wonderful life. I've lived enough for two people'."

In his cinema career, Heston has also played the roles of Michelangelo and El Cid but was also well known for being the head of America's pro-gun organisation, the National Rifle Association, for five years.

Heston is survived by his wife Lydia and his two children Frank and Holly.

Continue reading: Oscar Winning Actor Charlton Heston Dies At Age 84