Well, crap.

Film legend Charlton Heston dead at 84

LOS ANGELES - Charlton Heston, who won the 1959 best actor Oscar as the chariot-racing "Ben-Hur" and portrayed Moses, Michelangelo, El Cid and other heroic figures in movie epics of the '50s and '60s, has died. He was 84.

Dang.

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played," Heston's family said in a statement. "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."

Heston revealed in 2002 that he had symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, saying, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure."

God speed to him, and peace to his family. I kinda feel like I've been kicked in the stomach.

Gonna have to make the kids sit though a few old movies now.

UPDATE - Ann Althouse has some clips. What line would you use, if asked to imitate Charlton Heston? I admit her first example is what comes to mind.

UPDATE - Best headline over at GOP3.com, plus clips of Heston's 1989 speech to the NRA.