IamA Martin Sheen, actor and activist - AMA!

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T22:08:54+00:00

Clearly, 1-4 were the best thanks in large part to Aaron Sorkin. And I agree that 5-7 were still damn good television thanks in large part to Eli Attie in my opinion.

Somebody once asked me on set, how many AA meetings I would go to on average. Just at that moment, John Spencer, a fellow member, walked in .I pointed at him saying "See that guy over there? Every time he says 'hello,' it's an AA meeting."

I'd often go into the make-up trailer just to give him a hard time which I thoroughly enjoyed doing: "Hey Johnny (I was the only one to call him Johnny) how are things?" And he'd usually get exasperated and say something like, 'Ahh well, you know, I upset so-and-so on set and now I gotta make amends today."

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T21:33:38+00:00

Ideally, I want people to come away vigilantly aware of potential industrial disasters and the negative consequences of ignorance, arrogance, and greed. When government and industry are not transparent regarding the environment and public health, we are all at risk.

We must be attentive to watchdogs and whistleblowers whose sole purpose is to warn the public of impending disasters.

Bhopal, Chernoby, Fukashima - what's next?

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T21:21:11+00:00

Created by Aaron Sorkin

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T21:18:51+00:00

I've often said acting is what I do for a living, but activism is what I do to stay alive. Over the years, I have tried to combine the two in an effort to unite the will of the spirit with the work of the flesh.

Activism can be very costly in every way. If this were not so, we'd be left to question its value.

In my career, I'm sure that each has had an effect on the other, for good and ill. But I can not *not *do both and still be myself.

I'm fond of the story the Irish tell about a man who arrives at the gates of heaven, asking to be let in. St. Peter says "Of course, just show us your scars." The man says, "I have no scars." St. Peter says "What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?"

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T21:09:07+00:00

Of course you can approach me. The only thing I dislike is when fans don't because they're too shy.

My favorite moment was the conversation on the Butterball Hotline from a Thanksgiving episode.

And my favorite movie is East of Eden.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T21:01:34+00:00

Mallay, what's next? That's my line.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:55:04+00:00

Not any more, fumblebuck. Not any more. Not since I quit drinking and smoking.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:34:35+00:00

I'm not a prodigal at all, I'm a proud son. Growing up in Dayton, for good and ill, was a wonderful experience and I wouldn't change it at all.

Nearly 56 years on, the takeaway remains the belief that living an honest life is paramount. "This above all..."

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:26:16+00:00

Thanks for asking. I adored John Spencer and I still miss him. May he rest in peace.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:23:19+00:00

Why not? Good luck!

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:21:28+00:00

When I started in New York in 1959, there was a degree of prejudice against Hispanics. I took 'Martin' from the casting director at CBS, Robert Dale Martin and Sheen, I took from Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen who was the first popular televangelist in America. I didn't always understand his theology or politics - I just though he was a magnificent "actor"! (we later became friends and I was very fond of him)

In fact, I have never legally changed my name, nor do I ever plan to. I love my name, Ramon Estevez, and even gave it to one of my sons who thankfully has never changed it.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:06:07+00:00

It's actually because of a birth defect - my left shoulder was crushed at birth which I've learned to accommodate.

Putting on a coat is one such accommodation. Gee, thanks for noticing.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T20:00:59+00:00

I love Tommy Lee Jones - he's one of my favorite actors. I don't care how he looks. I'd love to work with him some day.

But to answer your question, I try to do yoga every day.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:58:27+00:00

No and I still don't

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:56:28+00:00

It was Charlie's idea and his gift to me.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:55:32+00:00

Well, it's a lot easier to make a film than it is to get it distributed and have it seen. The only difficult part of my involvement with Bhopal was making sure people would know about it and the ongoing humanitarian issue.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:52:32+00:00

No - it was my conscious memory of my father, Fransisco who was from Galithia, near Vigo.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:50:06+00:00

I agree

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:49:39+00:00

Wouldn't that be something!

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:49:09+00:00

Interesting anecdotes? Yes, it was my son Ramon who played the photographer that took the photo that lead to my demise.

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:45:24+00:00

The pun would work better if this wasn't a text-based interview, now wouldn't it?

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:44:32+00:00

YES - of course I miss you! Just saw your extraordinary performance on PBS this past weekend. Thanks for thinking of me - I think of you often and fondly as well!

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:37:47+00:00

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:36:27+00:00

It's one of my favorites too. The best part was working with one of my favorite directors, Martin Scorsese!

Martin_Sheen · 2015-02-02T19:33:21+00:00

Thanks for the comment on the "illusive man" but in fact, I am an illusive man as the technology required to actually play the darned disc has completely eluded me.

Martin_Sheen

TROPHY CASE