Who played the titular role in the 1959 movie Ben-Hur?

Charlton Heston.

The 1959 epic film “Ben-Hur” starred Charlton Heston in the titular role as Judah Ben-Hur. This film, directed by William Wyler, is renowned for its grand scale, ambitious production, and its record-setting achievement of winning eleven Academy Awards, a record it held for decades. “Ben-Hur” was adapted from Lew Wallace’s 1880 novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ,” which was a bestseller in the United States.

Charlton Heston’s portrayal of Judah Ben-Hur is considered one of his most iconic roles, contributing significantly to his star status in Hollywood. Heston’s performance was lauded for its intensity and depth, effectively capturing the transformation of Judah Ben-Hur from a wealthy Jerusalemite to a galley slave, and finally to a victorious charioteer seeking vengeance against his former friend, Messala, played by Stephen Boyd. Heston’s physical and emotional commitment to the role was evident, particularly in the film’s legendary chariot race scene, which remains one of cinema’s most celebrated sequences.

The production of “Ben-Hur” was one of the most expensive of its time, featuring vast sets and pioneering special effects. The film’s depiction of ancient Rome and Jerusalem brought the historical and biblical eras to life with unprecedented authenticity and scale. The chariot race alone took several weeks to film and involved thousands of extras, making it one of the most elaborate action sequences ever filmed at the time.

Charlton Heston’s career was significantly boosted by his performance in “Ben-Hur.” He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role, cementing his place as a leading actor in epic films. Following “Ben-Hur,” Heston continued to appear in a series of successful historical and disaster films throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including “The Ten Commandments” and “Planet of the Apes.” His portrayal in “Ben-Hur” not only defined his career but also left a lasting legacy on the genre of historical epic films.