LOS ANGELES, California (CNN) -- Actor Charlton Heston died at his Beverly Hills home at the age of 84 Saturday, his family said. 

Heston was suffering the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. 

Heston, known for portrayals of larger than life figure including Moses and Ben Hur, was suffering the late stages of Alzheimer's disease. 

Heston's wife of 64 years, Lydia, was at his side at the time of his death, according to the family statement. 

Heston is survived by a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. 

"We knew him as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, and a gentle grandfather, with an infectious sense of humor," the family said. "He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved." 

While no funeral plans have been announced, the family said it would hold a private memorial service. 

The Internet Movie Database listed 126 movies and television production credits for Heston, starting in 1941. He rose to fame in the 1950s with starring movie roles including Ben Hur, for which he won an Oscar. He played Moses in the "Ten Commandments." 

Heston's last acting credit was for playing an elderly Josef Mengele, the Auschwitz Nazi surgeon who performed medical experiments on concentration camp refugees during World War Two in the 2003 movie "My Father, Rua Alguem 5555." 

Heston was also known for his political activism. 

He was a high-profile supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his civil rights movement. He attended King's 1963 March on Washington and stood near the podium as King delivered his "I have a dream" speech. 
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Charlton Heston
Actor Charlton Heston died
At his Beverly Hills home
Actor Charlton Heston died at his Beverly Hills home
Alzheimer's disease
Heston was suffering the late stages of Alzheimer's disease
84
home at the age of 84
yes
Heston's wife of 64 years, Lydia
Two
Heston is survived by a son, a daughter and three grandchildren. 
Lydia
Heston's wife of 64 years, Lydia
unknown
unknown
three
Heston is survived by a son, a daughter and three grandchildren.
political activism.
Heston was also known for his political activism. 
Ben Hur,
Ben Hur, for which he won an Oscar. 
126
The Internet Movie Database listed 126 movies and television production credits for Heston
84
home at the age of 84
no
Heston's wife of 64 years, Lydia, was at his side at the time of his death, according to the family statement. 
1950's
He rose to fame in the 1950s with starring movie roles including Ben Hur, for which he won an Oscar. He played Moses in the "Ten Commandments." 
no
While no funeral plans have been announced, the family said it would hold a private memorial service. 

Yes
He was a high-profile supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his civil rights movement.
The "I have a dream" speech
He attended King's 1963 March on Washington and stood near the podium as King delivered his "I have a dream" speech.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his civil rights movement. He attended King's 1963 March on Washington and stood near the podium as King delivered his "I have a dream" speech. 
"Ten Commandments."
He played Moses in the "Ten Commandments." 
