Very sad news about Charlton Heston. I admired him for many years. When I saw him in the "Ten Commandments" back in the 50's, he made such an impression on me. I wrote him a letter telling him how pleased I was about the movie. He answered me back and was very nice and appreciate my kind words. In his book published in 1998 entitled Charlton Heston's Hollywood, he wrote some kind things about our Susan. In one paragraph regarding the movie "The Presidents Lady he commented "Fortunately, we had an actress in the role of Rachel who could keep your interest in the domestic affairs of the Jackson household----Susan Hayward. She made her character a women of flesh and blood--a true frontier girl, a passionate wife and a devoted companion." This has always been one of my favorite films. God bless you Charlton.

Ray, thank you for the comments from Heston's book. I had never read his book, but he spoke so beautifully about her on the A&E bio.

It really upsets me that many of the younger generation, especially those who lean toward the far left, have nothing but disdain for Heston. They have no idea of his vast gallery of film portrayals. They have no respect for his work. All they are remembering him by is his affiliation with the NRA and his politics. His politics is his business. He was a great American and very much deserved the Congressional Medal of Honor.
He was a fine actor of great stature and talent. It's too bad that his memorials have been somewhat controversial. His politics have overshadowed his work in film. Maybe in time, history will be fair.

When my mom called me into the living room and said Charlton Heston had died, I was shocked. I didn't even know he was sick, but then, I guess I don't know much! I really enjoyed his performance in The President's Lady, and like Ginger said, I always visualize him in my mind when I read about Andrew Jackson, just like I was doing this morning in history class. He was a great actor, even if I haven't seen many of his movies. I hope he rests in peace!

Ginger

Re the mention of the younger gen, dismissing Charlton Heston because of the gun lobby stance and perceived right wing leanings etc - they obviously are unaware of his extraordinary committment to the civil rights movement in America in the early 60's.

He stood with Martin Luther King in the march on Washington in '63 - there are quite a few photos on the net showing him with Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and other black actors at the time. He was in the forefront of Hollywood actors showing their support.

Also - I think (?) I read years ago that he was highly critical of the McCarthy witch hunt insanity and of America's involvement in Vietnam.

He may have become more conservative as he aged - most of us do - but I would warrant that he stood up and was counted a lot more than his youthful critics nowadays ever did or will.

Kerry

Kerry, I agree, but many of the younger generation (not all!) even let the gun and later political affilations overshadow even his support of the civil rights movement--I see comments such as --"What killed Martin Luther King?"...JFK, RFK?"--- a gun..!"

I shouldn't even read that stuff. It's so immature, and it upsets me.