The famed actor passes away with his wife by his side.

Hollywood has lost a legend, as Oscar-winning actor CHARLTON HESTON has died. According to the Associated Press, he passed away Saturday night at his home in Beverly Hills with his wife of over 60 years, LYDIA, by his side. 

The Heston family released the following statement to ET, "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. He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity. We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved." 

"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.'"

The handsome and iconic star, known for playing such historical figures as MOSES, MICHELANGELO and MARC ANTONY, shocked the world when he announced he was suffering from symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's in 2002.

In Heston's untouchable list of classic film roles, he will be best remembered as Moses in 'The Ten Commandments' (1956), as well as for the 1959 epic 'Ben-Hur' (for which he won an Academy Award), 'Touch of Evil' and 'Planet of the Apes.'

Born John Charleton Carter in 1924 in the Chicago suburb of Evanston IL, the actor stayed close to home to study drama at Northwestern University where he played the lead in the school production of Peer Gynt and also met his wife LYDIA CLARKE.

The happy couple settled in the mountain town of Asheville, NC, and operated a theater where Heston perfected his acting skills. By 1947 he had made his Broadway debut in Antony and Cleopatra and moved on to become a member of the highly-respected "Studio One" live television series.

He and Lydia headed west to give Hollywood a shot and in 1950 he landed a part opposite LIZABETH SCOTT in WILLIAM DIETERLE's 'Dark City.' His breakout role came in 1952 when famed director CECIL B. DeMILLE cast him as an ill-tempered circus manager in 'The Greatest Show on Earth.'

The steely-eyed actor began his run playing historical figures in 1953 with the role of BUFFALO BILL in 'The Pony Express' and ANDREW JACKSON in 'The President's Lady.' But in 1956 DeMille cast him in the part of Moses in 'The Ten Commandments' -- a role that would make him a worldwide star. In 1959 Heston played the title role in the epic to end all epics, 'Ben Hur.'

By the 1960s he turned to westerns 'Will Penny' and science fiction films like 'Planet of the Apes' (1968), moving on in the '70s to the the realm of disaster films, most notably 'Airport 1975.'

In the '80s and '90s, Heston continued working in television and films, including KENNETH BRANAGH's 1996 version of 'Hamlet.' Heston starred on the small screen in the "Dynasty" spin-off  "The Colbys" (1985-1987). His last roles were on the big screen in 'Town & Country' (2001) and the 2003 foreign film 'My Father, Rua Alguem 5555.'

When not acting, Heston spent his time as the president of the Screen Actors Guild, serving for 6 terms. He also acted as president of the National Rifle Association, ending his five-year run in 2003.

Heston is survived by his wife Lydia and their two children, FRASER and HOLLY, as well as several grandchildren. A private memorial service will be held and the Heston family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.