Hes ‧ ton, Charlton /ˈhest ə n/ BrE AmE
(1923–2008) a US film actor who often appeared in films as strong, brave leaders and kings. His films include The Ten Commandments (1956), Ben Hur (1959), and Planet of the Apes (1968). He was known for strongly supporting the rights of people to have guns, and he was president of the National Rifle Association from 1998 to 2003.