Martin Sheen's birthday
Martin Sheen is one of America’s most celebrated and accomplished actors, starring in a wide variety of roles across different film and movie genres, and taking home many illustrious awards such as the Golden Globe. Some of his most popular appearances include his performance as President Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing, and Oliver Queenan in the Academy Award-winning film The Departed.
His early life
Born on August 3rd, 1940, Sheen was raised with a difficult family upbringing and a father that didn’t support his passion for acting. But that didn’t stop Sheen from pursuing his dreams. He eventually decided to borrow money from a Catholic priest and moved to New York City in order to chase his dreams of becoming an actor.
Most people probably don’t know that Sheen’s real name is actually Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez. Martin Sheen is actually just a stage name, one that he adopted in New York City after being inspired by the Catholic archbishop and broadcaster, Fulton J. Sheen, and the CBS casting director that gave him his first big break, Robert Dale Martin.
His career
Sheen’s gamble to move to New York City would ultimately pay off, but things weren’t easy at the beginning. He started by gathering people and creating his own theater company, hoping that a hit production would get him noticed. He made several appearances in various plays and even had television appearances as a guest star.
It was in New York City where Sheen got his first breakthrough leading role as Captain Benjamin L. Willard in the American epic war film, Apocalypse Now. Despite being filmed in 1979, this film stands up to the test of time thanks to its complex story lines and convincing character development.
Sheen has shown that he can be versatile with his acting as well. Thanks to his background in theater, he’s comfortable both on the big screen and on stage, delivering great performances in everything from serious plays to lighthearted comedies.
The role that Sheen is probably most well-known for is his time as President Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing. His character was a serious American politician and a complex character much like the very first film role he played. Sheen consistently delivered a captivating performance for over seven years, earning him several accolades such as Emmy Award nominations. He even won the Golden Globe Award in 2001 for Best Performance by an Actor in a TV Series.
But acting isn’t the only thing that Sheen is known for! Like many celebrities, Sheen is a vocal advocate for peace and he always talks passionately about the environmental issues that concern him. Sheen has also shown a commitment to social and political issues, taking part in protests and acts of civil disobedience to fight for the things he believes in. His actions have earned him a lot of respect and admiration from millions across the country.
Sheen’s made a huge impact on the entertainment industry, putting on some incredible performances in many different roles. Whether it’s a comedy show or a serious cop drama, he does it all. His passion for social and environmental issues makes him a relatable person, and this is probably why he’s loved by fans across the world.
