Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Happy 70th Birthday Martin Sheen

Born Ramón Antonio Gerard Estévez on August 3, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio. Both his parents were immigrants, his mother from Ireland, his father from Spain. Raised a Catholic Estévez took his stage name in admiration of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen. Discouraged from taking up acting by his father Martin borrowed money from a priest and went to New York City. There he met Catholic activist Dorothy Day and became active in social justice movements. He helped develop a theater group in hopes of getting recognition for his acting. He appeared on an episode of TV's “The Outer Limits” and then starred on Broadway's “The Subject was Roses”, this led to more TV work and his role of Dobbs in “Catch 22” (1970), and “Badlands” (1973). He was nominated for an Emmy for his performance in the TV film “The Execution of Private Slovak” (1977). It was for Sheen's performance in this role that led to his starring role in “Apocalypse Now” (1979). Sheen also received recognition for his portrayal of General Robert E. Lee in “Gettysburg” (1993). Sheen appeared in only one Euro-western as Pike in “Eagles' Wing” (1979). He also appeared in two made for TV westerns filmed in South Africa, “Guns of Honor” and Trigger Fast” (1993) as Jackson Baines 'Ole Devil' Hardin. Sheen is the brother of actor Joe Estévez [1950- ] and the father of actors Emilio Estévez [1962- ], Ramón Estévez [1963- ], Charlie Sheen [1965- ] and actress Renée Estévez [1967- ]. Today we celebrate Martin Sheen's 70th birthday.

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