answersLogoWhite

0

Reportedly, the role of Judah Ben-Hur was turned down by Burt Lancaster, Marlon Brando, Rock Hudson and Paul Newman before Charlton Heston accepted it. Lancaster, who was an atheist, called the project a "belittling picture of Christianity as I understand it." Interestingly, Heston won the 1959 Best Actor Oscar for his performance in "Ben-Hur." A year later, Lancaster won his only Academy Award for his portrayal of a con-man evangelist in "Elmer Gantry."

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?