Between despairingly beating the sands of an apocalyptic New York and toting his rifle proudly and declaring “From my cold dead hands,” Charlton Heston became the debatable American Icon.

The native son of Evanston was originally known for his work in films, but later in life, he took on the role of head of the National Rifle Association and became undeniably vocal concerning gun control.

Heston died Saturday and left behind a group of people still debating the legacy of the Hollywood titan. Some can still remember seeing Heston as Ben-Hur, and others were introduced to Heston in Michael Moore’s “Bowling for Columbine,” where the documentary ended with an ambush interview about gun violence. The images shoot stark realities of Hollywood glitz and glamor to the audience, and like many of Heston’s movies, his life raises a good question on how to remember his legacy.

If you were to look at Heston’s digital tombstone on IMDB.com, you would notice more than 100 roles and a listing of awards, including an Oscar. However, trophies won’t be displayed at your local Blockbuster video, and most people really don’t know what Soylent Green is made out of anymore.

Heston will ultimately become another shred of Americana, a piece of memory called upon to define the culture of cinema and film for better or worse. The man, like many other actors in Hollywood, was defined by his job. Majorities will never know Heston as a friend or relative, he will always be a celluloid hero who lives in home theaters.

When the ghost of Heston is invoked, it will serve as judge to his memory.

When you think about the classic hero of the American film, what comes to mind? The strong jaw, the piercing gaze and most important of all, the never-ending attitude and rebuking of authority. “Let my people go,” “Get your hands off me, you damned dirty ape” and even “From my cold, dead hands” have become slogans of the defiant hero, the person against all odds. That came from Heston and that will continue to come from his films.

As a man, Heston will be debated between his acting and his politics. Some will see the two as a seamless character, never missing a line. Others will view a great faker and terrible spokesman. Either way, the stiff upper lip and stern chin used for the debate will always owe their encouragement to stories about defined convictions, stories brought to life by an actor named Heston.