LOS ANGELES - Hollywood movie legend Charlton Heston, an icon best remembered for his Oscar-winning performance in 1959 epic "Ben Hur" died Saturday at his home in Beverly Hills, his family said. He was 84.

Heston's family said in a statement that the actor famed for his tough guy roles, who had been battling Alzheimer's disease in recent years, died with his wife of 64 years Lydia at his side.

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

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life. He was known for his chiselled 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 humour. 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.' Heston was born John Charles Carter in Evanston, Illinois on October 4, 1923, and made his feature film debut in 1941 after starring as the lead character in "Peer Gynt."

His penchant for playing historical figures was in evidence again when he appeared as Marc Anthony in 1950's "Julius Caesar", yet it was his performance as circus manager Brad Baden in the Cecil B. DeMille epic "The Greatest Show on Earth", that signalled his star potential.

Another collaboration with DeMille saw him star as Moses in the blockbuster 1956 film "The Ten Commandments", before William Wyler's landmark Roman chariot-racing epic "Ben Hur".

Weighing in at nearly four hours in length, the film was to mark the zenith of the then Hollywood fashion for lavish biblical-themed productions.

In later years Heston would often recall that before filming the climactic scene in "Ben-Hur," director Wyler told him that if he could just stay in the chariot, Wyler could guarantee he would win the race.

As well as "Ben Hur", Heston played dozens of fictional and historical heroes, with roles "El Cid" 1961, Michelangelo and "The Agony and the Ecstasy" (1965).

Other memorable roles include a marooned astronaut in the superb 1968 science-fiction film "Planet of the Apes" and a detective in 1973's "Soylent Green".

In later years Heston worked on successful television soap operas including "Dynasty" and its spinoff, "The Colbys."

The last decade saw Heston often in the spotlight for his political views and his vociferous support and leadership of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Although he had been a self-proclaimed liberal during the 1960s -- accompanying the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr. during 1963's civil rights march in Washington -- his political views later swung to the right.

As president of the NRA, he drew controversy when he said at the NRA convention that his guns would have to be taken away "from my cold, dead hands".

Heston had hip replacement surgery in 1998 and survived prostate cancer that same year.

In August 2002 he announced that he had Alzheimer's. One year later he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

He is survived by two children, Fraser Clarke Heston and Holly Heston Rochell, and three grandchildren, Jack Alexander Heston, Ridley Rochell and Charlie Rochell. - AFP/vm