In pictures: Charlton Heston turns 80

1 of 6 Charlton Heston, who turns 80 on Monday, has played the lead role in more than 60 films.

2 of 6 He is best known for his role as Jewish prince Judah Ben-Hur in the 1959 epic film Ben Hur.

3 of 6 It was a part that would win him the best actor Oscar at the 1960 Academy Award ceremony.

4 of 6 Heston married his wife, actress Lydia Clarke Heston, in 1944.

5 of 6 He stepped down as president of the US gun lobby, the National Rifle Association (NRA), in 2003, citing ill-health.

6 of 6 Heston is a staunch supporter of George W Bush's Republican party.