Martin Sheen Biography

Martin Sheen Martin Sheen has made a career for himself playing American presidents, but had he followed his father's advice, he wouldn t have become an actor. Martin's Cuban-born father, Francisco Estevez, was against his son going into acting, and Sheen claims he intentionally flunked his entrance exam to the University of Dayton so that he could pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Born as Ram n Gerardo Antonio Est vez on August 3, 1940, he changed his name in honor of archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, borrowed money from a priest, and moved to New York City. Here Sheen landed his first big role in The Subject Was Roses, which he later reprised on in the film version in 1968 which starred Jack Albertson. Despite his success and earning a Golden Globe nomination for that role, Sheen mostly appeared in guest spots on a wide assortment of television shows for at least five years. In 1973, along with Sissy Spacek, Sheen appeared in the movie Badlands, which he finds to be his best film to date. His first political role came in 1973 as Robert F. Kennedy, who was Attorney General at the time, in the TV-movie The Missiles of October. This led to Francis Ford Coppola choosing him for a starring role in Apocalypse Now along with Marlon Brando and Robert Duvall. In 1983 Sheen played his next political role, this time as Robert F. Kennedy's brother, John F Kennedy, in the TV mini-series Kennedy. Another role as a president followed, albeit as a fictional Chief of Staff in The American President, along with Michael Douglas and Annette Bening. After this momentary step down, Sheen moved back up the presidential ladder. He played the president in the television series West Wing for seven years, alongside Allison Janey, Stockard Channing, and the late John Spencer. For this role Sheen was nominated six times for an Emmy award, and won a Golden Globe award and two SAG awards. Sheen married Janet Templeton, and together they had four children, all of whom followed their father into acting Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Ram n Luis Estevez, and Ren e Estevez. Some have speculated that the closest person to Sheen is his son Charlie who has appeared with him in the comedy Hot Shots! Part Deux, and in the familiar role as Charlie's father in the television series Spin City and Two and a Half Men. And, of course, Charlie was the only one of the four children to keep Sheen's adopted last name. Along with his acting career and his family, Martin Sheen also has an interest in political activism, perhaps being spurned on by the many political roles he has taken on in his acting. Martin Sheen has been arrested sixty-three times for liberal political causes. He is a supporter for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and also the Consistent Life ethic. Along with actor/director Rob Reiner, Sheen has actively campaigned for Howard Dean, a Democratic presidential candidate. Some have tried to persuade Sheen to run for political office, but he has stated he isn t qualified, and that those that have asked him are confusing celebrity and credibility.