Nancy Reagan said that she's heartbroken over the death of Hollywood legend Charlton Heston.

In a statement, the former first lady said Heston was a real-life hero who supported her husband, Ronald Reagan, in "whatever he was doing."

Heston died Saturday night at his Beverly Hills, Calif., home at the age of 84.

The actor portrayed Moses and other heroic figures on film in the '50s and '60s.

John McCain hailed Heston as a devotee for civil and constitutional rights.

The National Rifle Association of America's Wayne LaPierre said Americans lost a great patriot with Heston's passing.

Even Michael Moore, who mocked Heston in his gun-control documentary "Bowling for Columbine," posted the actor's picture on his Web site to mark his passing.

He also posted Heston's memorial information and the statement on Heston's death from the performer's family.

Long-time publicist Michael Levine said that Heston was a "heroic figure" who has no real parallel in contemporary Hollywood.

In a statement, Heston's family said that no one "could have given more to his family, to his profession, and to his country."

"Charlton Heston was seen by the world as larger than life," the family also said in the statement. "He was known for his chiseled jaw, broad shoulders and resonating voice, and, of course, for the roles he played. Indeed, he committed himself to every role with passion, and pursued every cause with unmatched enthusiasm and integrity."

Heston won the best actor Oscar for his role in "Ben-Hur" and created such other iconic roles as Moses and El Cid. But he was also active as a leader in the Screen Actors Guild and chairman of the American Film Institute.

And he also became politically involved, marching in the civil rights movement and in later years, campaigning for conservatives. In 1998, Heston was elected president of the National Rifle Association.

Heston also served as president of the Screen Actors Guild.

In 2003, President George W. Bush awarded him the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.