Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez on August 3, 1940, in Dayton, Ohio. He was one of ten children in a Catholic family, with his father being a Spanish immigrant and his mother of Irish descent. Despite being a talented actor, Sheen faced significant challenges early in life, including being hospitalized due to his mother's struggles with childbirth.

In 1961, Martin Sheen moved to New York City to pursue an acting career. He started working with the Living Theatre company and soon began appearing in television dramas. This move was crucial as it allowed him to gain experience and exposure in the performing arts, leading to his successful career in television and film.

In 1973, Martin Sheen had his breakthrough role in Terrence Malick's 'Badlands,' co-starring with Sissy Spacek. Sheen's portrayal of the character Kit Carruthers, inspired by real-life killer Charles Starkweather, brought him critical acclaim and set the stage for future success in Hollywood. The film remains a classic of American cinema.

Martin Sheen starred as Captain Willard in the epic war film 'Apocalypse Now,' released on August 15, 1979. Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the movie was famous for its troubled production and intense scenes. Sheen's performance was lauded, cementing his reputation as a leading actor in Hollywood.

On January 19, 1981, while filming 'Apocalypse Now,' Martin Sheen suffered a near-fatal heart attack. This incident forced the production to be delayed as Sheen took time to recover. The heart attack was a significant personal and professional event in Sheen's life, impacting his health and his approach to acting and production choices thereafter.

Martin Sheen received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in 'The Subject Was Roses.' The play, which was a critical hit, demonstrated Sheen's versatility as an actor and helped establish him in the theatre. His work in theatre continued alongside his successful film career, highlighting his range and talent.

The television series 'The West Wing' premiered on September 22, 1999, with Martin Sheen starring as President Josiah Bartlet. Created by Aaron Sorkin, the show was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards, including multiple Emmys. Sheen's portrayal of the fictional U.S. President earned him widespread praise and a Golden Globe award.

In 2003, Martin Sheen began narrating the documentary series 'Peace Jam,' which features Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Sheen's involvement in this project reflects his long-standing commitment to activism and peace efforts. His powerful narration helped bring attention to the stories and achievements of these remarkable individuals around the world.

In 2006, Martin Sheen was honored with an Imagen Foundation Award for his positive portrayal of Latinos in film and television. This award is significant because of Sheen's own Hispanic heritage, as he was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez. The award recognizes Sheen's contributions to promoting Hispanic culture and representation in the arts.

On March 10, 2012, Martin Sheen was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Marquette University. The award recognized his tireless activism, commitment to social justice, and dedication to issues such as human rights and peace. Sheen delivered a commencement speech where he emphasized the importance of service and giving back to the community.