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.

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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

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