Heston goes public with his health

Aug 09, 2002 by Ian Evans

Charlton Heston, the Oscar-winning actor and NRA head, went public about his health today, revealing that he is in the early stages of what appears to be Alzheimer’s disease.

The 78-year-old president of the National Rifle Association released a videotaped statement saying, “For an actor there is no greater loss than the loss of his audience. I can part the Red Sea, but I can’t part with you, which is why I won’t exclude you from this stage in my life.”

The actor, as famous for his gun views as he is for his performance as Moses, added, “If you see a little less spring in my step, if your name fails to leap to my lips, you’ll know why. And if I tell you a funny story for the second time, please laugh anyway.”