In a fascinating retrospective, a recent video explores the evolution of the cast of the iconic 1956 film “The Ten Commandments,” comparing their appearances and lives from then to now. The film, directed by Cecil B. DeMille, is renowned for its grand storytelling and memorable performances, featuring a star-studded cast that brought to life the biblical tale of Moses and the Exodus.
The lead role of Moses was portrayed by Charlton Heston, whose powerful performance underscored Moses’ struggle against Pharaoh Ramses II, played by Yul Brynner. Heston, who passed away in 2008 due to Alzheimer’s disease, remains a cinematic legend, while Brynner succumbed to lung cancer in 1985. The complex character of Dathan, a traitorous Jew aligned with Pharaoh, was brought to life by Edward G. Robinson, who died of cancer in 1973.
Other notable cast members included Yvonne De Carlo as Sephora, the supportive wife of Moses, and Nina Foch as Bithiah, Pharaoh Sethi’s daughter who adopts Moses. Both women have left a lasting legacy in Hollywood, with De Carlo passing in 2007 and Foch in 2008. The film also featured strong performances from John Derek as Joshua, and Vincent Price as Baka, the overseer of the slaves, both of whom have since passed away.
As the video highlights, several actors who played pivotal roles in this biblical epic have since died, including Martha Scott, who portrayed Yochabel, Moses’ mother, and Judith Anderson as Memnet, the loyal Egyptian slave. Their contributions to the film have cemented its status as a classic.
The retrospective not only showcases the cast’s impressive performances but also serves as a poignant reminder of the film’s enduring impact and the legacy of its talented actors. As audiences reflect on “The Ten Commandments,” they are invited to appreciate both the storytelling and the real-life journeys of the stars who brought this monumental film to life.