LOS ANGELES, California (X17online) - Academy Award winning actor Charlton Heston passed away on Saturday evening at the age of 84. Heston died at his Beverly Hills home with his wife Lydia by his side, his family said in a statement released on Saturday.

Heston starred in films such as Ben Hur (which earned him the Oscar for Best Actor in 1959), Planet of the Apes, The 10 Commandments and Earthquake among others. He was the president of the National Rifle Association (NRA) from 1998 to 2003, and his stance on gun control certainly earned him his fair share of press as well.

His family also said in the statement:

“To his loving friends, colleagues and fans, we appreciate your heartfelt prayers and support... 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."

A private memorial service will be held for the legendary actor, and in the meantime, his family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund.