Who Is Still Alive From ‘The Ten Commandments’?

A poster for Cecil B. DeMille's 1956 adventure film 'The Ten Commandments' starring Charlton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson, Yvonne De Carlo, Debra Paget, John Derek, Cedric Hardwicke, Nina Foch, Martha Scott, Judith Anderson, and Vincent Price. — Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images

Movie Poster Image Art/Getty Images

The Ten Commandments premiered on November 8, 1956, and quickly became one of the most enduring biblical epics ever made. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille, the film tells the story of Moses, played by Charlton Heston, from his life as an Egyptian prince to his role leading the Hebrews out of slavery. The production was massive in scale, filmed in Egypt and Hollywood with thousands of extras, and it went on to become the highest-grossing film of 1956.

Over the years, it has remained a staple of holiday television, especially around Easter and Passover, and continues to be one of the most recognizable religious films ever produced. With the annual rewatch coming up, let’s find out who’s still alive from the classic film.

Debra Paget (92)

Lilia

Everett Collection

Debra Paget is the only major credited cast member from The Ten Commandments who is still alive. Born August 19, 1933, Paget was in her early 20s when she played Lilia, the kind-hearted water bearer who helps humanize the lives of the enslaved Hebrew people. After the film, Paget appeared in several notable productions, including Love Me Tender with Elvis Presley. She stepped away from acting in the 1960s and later focused on religious programming, choosing a quieter life outside Hollywood.

Kathy Garver (age 80)

Uncredited child role

Cathy Garver in 2025 and Ten Commandments Screen grab collage

Credit: Mike Pingel. Screen grab from The Ten Commandments

Kathy Garver may not have received on-screen credit, but she is one of the few surviving performers from The Ten Commandments. Garver was just 8 years old during filming and initially cast as an extra before catching the attention of director Cecil B. DeMille. According to her own recollections, DeMille expanded her role after noticing her on set, giving her additional screen time in key scenes. She appears during the Exodus sequence and later in the dramatic Red Sea scenes, even sharing a moment on screen with Heston. Garver would go on to become widely known for playing Cissy on Family Affair in the late 1960s.

Garver is still active in Hollywood and just released a new book called Romancing with the Stars: Inspiring Hollywood Love Stories. You can purchase it on her website.

Fraser Clarke Heston (age 71)

Infant Moses

Frazer Harrison then in Ten Commandments and now

Everett Collection; Getty Images For Paramount Pictures

Fraser Clarke Heston had a unique place in The Ten Commandments, appearing as the infant Moses while his father, Charlton Heston, portrayed the adult version of the character. Born February 12, 1955, Heston was just a few months old during filming. Later in life, Heston built a career behind the camera as a director, producer, and screenwriter, often collaborating with his father on projects.

Now let’s take a look at those we have lost…

In Memoriam

Everett Collection

Charlton Heston, who played the title role of Moses, died on April 5, 2008, at age 84 from complications of pneumonia, with Alzheimer’s disease listed as a contributing condition.

Yul Brynner, who played Rameses II, died on October 10, 1985, at age 65 from lung cancer.

Anne Baxter, who played Nefretiri, died on December 12, 1985, at age 62 from a stroke.

Edward G. Robinson, who played Dathan, died on January 26, 1973, at age 79 from bladder cancer.

Yvonne De Carlo, who played Sephora, died on January 8, 2007, at age 84 from heart failure.

John Derek, who played Joshua, died on May 22, 1998, at age 71 from cardiovascular disease.

Cedric Hardwicke, who played Sethi, died on August 6, 1964, at age 71 from emphysema.

Nina Foch, who played Bithiah, died on December 5, 2008, at age 84 from complications of myelodysplasia.

Martha Scott, who played Yochabel, died on May 28, 2003, at age 90 from natural causes.

Judith Anderson, who played Memnet, died on January 3, 1992, at age 94 from pneumonia.

Olive Deering, who played Miriam, died on March 22, 1986, at age 67 from cancer.

Where to Watch The Ten Commandments

The Ten Commandments continues to air annually on U.S. television during the Easter and Passover seasons, a tradition dating back to the early 1970s. It is also available on platforms such as Tubi for streaming and for digital rental or purchase through services like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, depending on current licensing.