Ramón Estevez A.k.A. Martin sheen
One of the best known and respected American actors of his generation, Martin Sheen is as complex and multifaceted a character as any he has portrayed for television or film. His handsome face – complete with chiselled features and steely gaze that melts to tenderness – is recognizable to any one who watches primetime television, but it is his voice that captivates and lures us to his side. And in listening to him speak it is clear that Mr. Sheen brings an intensity and purpose to all that he does, whether it is his skill as an actor or his dedication to serving the homeless and neglected.
Born Ramón Estevez in Dayton, Ohio, Mr. Sheen’s dedication to his family and his faith was nurtured by the steadfast values of his Irish Catholic mother and his Hispanic father. Himself the father of four – Emilio, Ramon, Charlie and Renee – Mr. Sheen centers himself through his religion, children and his wife, Janet.
“I never lost my faith,” says Mr. Sheen. “I was married in church and I baptized my children. It was a source of grace when I needed it. I have been greatly nurtured and inspired by my faith.
One of 10 children born to two Catholic immigrants, Mr. Sheen has never shrugged off hard work, nor has he faltered in his determination to succeed. As a student at the University of Dayton, he defied his father’s wishes and entered the world of acting. He first gained the attention of critics on New York’s Broadway stage as the lead actor in “The Subject Was Roses.” From there, he moved on to films and television.
Over the years, Mr. Sheen has amassed a tremendous and impressive body of work. He is perhaps best known for his charismatic performance as Captain Willard opposite Marlon Brando in the classic film “Apocalypse Now.” Mr. Sheen’s film credits include “Wall Street” in which he appeared with his son Charlie Sheen, “Da,” and “Badlands.” His role as President Bartlet on “The West Wing” reunited him with executive producer Aaron Sorkin with whom he worked on the feature film “The American President.”
Mr. Sheen has claimed countless accolades throughout his career including the Golden Globe Award for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series-Drama” in “The West Wing” and the Emmy for “Outstanding Actor” in the Comedy Series, “Murphy Brown.”
As a troubled loner, a military assassin or as president of the United States, Mr. Sheen’s gifts as an actor have captivated audiences everywhere. To each role he has brought incredible dedication and determination, and from each character he has gleaned a further understanding of the many-layered psyche of mankind.
To his personal crusades, Mr. Sheen brings his understanding of humanity and his fervor and passion. As an activist speaking out for the plight of the homeless, abused and underserved, he has never faltered, nor has he swayed. He is one of the most visible and articulate spokespersons in Hollywood today, speaking on and raising funds for a variety of social, humanitarian and environmental causes.
In particular, Mr. Sheen has lent his name and support to the San Carlos Foundation which serves Hispanic third world countries. Additionally, he volunteers his time and energy weekly at the Saint Joseph’s café, Bread and Roses, which serves the homeless. And his dedication to the causes and activities supported by The Catholic Worker is extraordinary.
In his current television role as an American President, Mr. Sheen has melded together his personal passion with his spiritualism and dedication to family. The resulting character is an intelligent, articulate, caring President with an understanding of the flaws of mortal men. In portraying Josiah Bartlet, whose stubbornness, vanity and strength of will are softened through his basic goodness, Martin Sheen has brought to life a character that is perhaps closer to himself than even he might suspect.
This "gleaning'" is known as "growing up" to those of us living in the real world.