In his typical no-nonsense style, Charlton Heston simply attributes his ability to keep working in movies to an uncanny "instinct for survival."
Of course, he admits that getting to work with some of the most talented people in the movie industry hasn't exactly hurt him in that regard."I'm very fortunate to have worked for some of the truly great directors," the 74-year-old actor said during a telephone conference-interview.
"I'd like to think that I learned something from each of them."
Heston is publicizing a new book, "Charlton Heston's Hollywood: 50 Years in American Film," which examines the Oscar-winning actor's career, beginning with his attempts to break into the business. It also features journal entries, including on-set reports of some of his most recent film work.
"Charlton Heston's Hollywood" was written with Jean-Pierre Isbouts, who also wrote and produced the CD-ROM "Charlton Heston's Voyage Through the Bible." Isbouts interviewed Heston to obtain comments that describe the many photos and sketches included in the book, most of which were taken from Heston's personal collection.
What the book shows, Heston says, is that he's had the opportunity to play great roles, which include real-life historical figures. Among his favorite parts are Judah Ben-Hur, Marc Antony and LDS Church leader Brigham Young (in the cable-television movie "Avenging Angel").
"I think I've probably played more significant historical figures than any actor alive, which is quite an achievement," he said.
He also claims to have performed in more Shakespeare adaptations than any other U.S. actor. (His most recent being Kenneth Branagh's full-length version of "Hamlet.")
"You never pass up a chance to dance with Mr. Shakespeare," Heston said emphatically.
In the book, Heston also shoots down misconceptions that moviemaking is fun. "It isn't supposed to be fun for us (actors). It's work. No, it's supposed to be fun for you guys to watch it."
Though his main focus of late has been drawing attention to this book, Heston has also been in the spotlight due to renewed interest in two of his classic films, 1968's "Planet of the Apes" and 1958's "Touch of Evil."
The latter has been released in a new "director's cut," which has been altered according to filmmaker Orson Welles' original notations. (The restored "Touch of Evil" began its exclusive run at the Loews Cineplex Broadway Centre Cinemas Friday.)
Heston said that the "finest B-movie ever made" almost wasn't made until he got involved. "I'd say one of my most central contributions to the art of film was shaming the studio into hiring (Orson Welles)."
According to Heston, he was approached to play the film's hero, Mexican narcotics official Mike Vargas, but was a bit reluctant to be in it because there was no director attached to the project.
"They told me they had (Orson) signed to play the heavy," Heston recalled. "I was stunned, I asked them, `Why don't you have him direct it? He's a pretty good director.' "
Coming from any other actor, that claim might sound like posturing. But remember that at the time, Heston was probably the most powerful actor in Hollywood, and had just come off a massive hit (1956's "The Ten Commandments").
Nor, for that matter, is Heston too humble regarding his accomplishments in "Planet of the Apes," a film he credits with creating a new genre of film.
" `Planet of the Apes' helped popularize a whole new genre, the space opera," he said. "But `Planet' is certainly among the very best of (these films)." He added that he is not surprised at the continuing popularity of "Planet of the Apes."
Like many in the Hollywood community, Heston was surprised and saddened by the recent death of his "Apes" co-star, character actor Roddy McDowall. "I did not know he was that ill. He died with frightening speed.
"(McDowall) was that rare commodity in Hollywood, a real gentleman. He was a good friend and a wonderful actor."
As McDowall did before him, Heston continues acting without regard to age, and without an ending point in sight. "My goal (with acting) is to keep doing it until you get it right.
"You get kind words from people telling you how wonderful you were. But what's important is to tell where you went wrong."
Heston said that besides himself, his wife of 54 years, Lydia, has probably been his staunchest critic.
"You must critique your work more harshly than anyone else. My wife has been very helpful on that," he said with a chuckle.