|
Heston to keep on working
19/08/2002 11:16 - (SA)
Los Angeles - Oscar-winning actor Charlton Heston (77), in his first published interview since announcing that he has symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, says he has no plans to retire.
Heston disclosed on August 9 that he was in the early stages of what appeared to be the degenerative brain disease.
But Heston seemed quick-witted and never stumbled over words or struggled with memory during the nearly hour-long interview with the Los Angeles Times published on Sunday.
"I feel the way I have been always feeling," he said in the interview. "Now, I understand the chances are very slim that they will remain that way."
Heston, who won a best-actor Oscar for Ben-Hur, said he had a movie project this fall but was reluctant to elaborate.
Heston also spoke about his involvement in an animated version of Ben-Hur, which is due out next spring and features the actor delivering an introduction, narrating the story and providing the voice of the title role.
The original 1959 feature movie, directed by William Wyler, won 11 Academy Awards, including one for best film.
Heston, the president of the National Rifle Association since 1998, also said he would campaign this fall for candidates, both Republicans and Democrats.
Heston said he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of concern that he had received, including calls from President Bush and former first lady Nancy Reagan.
Heston told the Times that a brief telephone call from Bush last week meant "a great deal".
"He wished me well and was proud of what I had done for my country, which is, perhaps, overstating it a little," he said.
Nancy Reagan gave Heston and his wife, Lydia, her private phone number and encouraged them to call. Reagan's husband, former President Reagan, suffers from Alzheimer's.
"She didn't really need to do that. After all, she's the president's wife," Heston said.
- Reuters
|
South Africa
