Martin Sheen | Extended Interview | THE THREAD Documentary Series

The extended interview with Martin Sheen from The Thread docuseries is now available! In this exclusive interview, the legendary actor and activist delves into his life’s philosophy, the early influences on his acting career, and his unwavering commitment to activism. Sheen shares personal stories about his family background, including his Spanish roots, and how they shaped his dual passions for acting and activism. He discusses his admiration for iconic figures like Dolores Huerta and Dr. Martin Luther King, and his deep involvement in social justice movements, from anti-nuclearism to farm worker rights. Sheen also reflects on his role as President Bartlet in "The West Wing," its societal impact, and how it inspired a new generation. Don’t miss this heartfelt and insightful conversation as Martin Sheen opens up about his values and the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Actor Martin Sheen was born Ramón Estévez on August 3, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio to parents Mary Ann and Francisco Estévez; the seventh of 10 children. His mother died when he was 11. After leaving home to pursue a love of acting in his early 20s, he adopted the stage name "Martin Sheen," in hopes that an anglicized stage name would get him seen for more auditions. In 1959, Sheen made his professional stage acting debut in "The Connection" for the Living Theater. Soon after, he began working in television. He found Broadway success with Gilroy's Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, "The Subject Was Roses”, which earned him a Tony Nomination. Sheen married his wife Janet Templeton in 1961 and they have four children: Ramón Estevez, Renée Estevez, Emilio Estevez, and Charlie Sheen (born Carlos Estevez). After several years of playing small parts on TV shows, Sheen got his breakout role as an Air Force pilot in the 1970 satirical war flick, Catch-22. His real breakthrough came in 1973 as the amoral, yet charismatic serial killer, Kit Carruthers, who goes on the run with a teenage girl in Terrence Malick's "Badlands". He became a household name after starring in Francis Ford Coppola's 1979 epic “Apocalypse Now” set during the Vietnam War. From 1999 to 2006, Sheen starred as President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet in the political drama series, “The West Wing”. Created by Aaron Sorkin, the show was a huge success and earned him six Emmy nominations for the role. From 2015 until 2022, Sheen portrayed Robert Hanson in “Grace and Frankie”, starring alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Sam Waterston. He is a multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner. Sheen is a longtime activist for social justice and human rights. Subscribe for access to never-before-seen conversations from society’s most inspirational figures, giving insight into the lives and events that shaped our culture and history. Learn more about our work and how to support our mission here: https://www.lifestories.org/. For the latest interviews, series, and films from Life Stories, visit our other channel: @lifestoriesdotorg. To teach using this episode go to: https://www.lifestories.org/learning/... Follow us on Instagram: Instagram: lifestoriesinterviews Chapter Markers: 00:00:00 - Introduction and philosophy of life 00:00:24 - Early life and acting career 00:01:36 - Family background, heritage, and influence 00:06:43 - Caddying and early activism 00:10:38 - Memories of World War II and anti-nuclear activism 00:14:31 - McCarthyism and political awakening 00:17:25 - Film influences, James Dean, and Marlon Brando 00:22:12 - Civil rights movement and March on Washington 00:27:42 - Organizing Broadway Answers Selma 00:30:59 - Facing prejudice 00:35:22 - Choosing the name Martin Sheen 00:38:02 - Reaction to John F. Kennedy's election 00:41:46 - Cuban Missile Crisis and the Kennedy brothers 00:44:20 - Playing Robert Kennedy in Missiles of October 00:46:54 - The West Wing 01:01:06 - Faith and personal beliefs 01:09:03 - Involvement in various protests and movements 01:11:17 - Involvement with farm workers 01:13:20 - Admiration for Dolores Huerta 01:19:22 - Joy in art and music 01:21:38 - Power of storytelling Martin Sheen, Actor Interviewed By: David Bender Interview Date: June 7, 2023 #MartinSheen #theinterviewarchive