[October 2006] Pursuing a three-year Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature, philosophy, and oceanography at the National University of Ireland (NUIG), Galway, Ireland.
According to friends and family, he is closest to son Charlie than anyone else. Indeed, he and Charlie often appear together on the screen, and Martin has even played Charlie's on-screen father twice. He also appeared as an older "Charlie" in a credit-card commercial.
Along with Steve McQueen and James Dean, is mentioned in R.E.M.'s song "Electrolite.".
An opponent of euthanasia, he taped an ad in 2008 urging residents of Washington State to vote no on Initiative 1000, which would allow doctor assisted suicide of terminally ill patients. The initiative passed.
As an admirer and supporter of actor James Dean and his legacy, he worked to preserve the high school in Fairmount that Dean attended. In addition, he has visited Fairmount for Dean-related events.
Auditioned for the role of Michael Corleone in The Godfather (1972).
Born at 8:03 p.m. ET.
Brother-in-law of Constance Estevez.
Considers his late "The West Wing" (1999) co-star John Spencer his best friend. Like Spencer, Sheen successfully recovered from drug and alcohol addictions.
Due to his commitment to "The West Wing" (1999), was unable to reprise the role of Robert E. Lee in the Gettysburg (1993) prequel, Gods and Generals (2003). The role was instead played by Lee descendant Robert Duvall, who starred with Sheen in the popular Vietnam War film Apocalypse Now (1979).
Has memorized and can sing every single Frank Sinatra song.
Has played American presidents four times; Jed Bartlett on TV series "The West Wing" (1999), in the TV movie Medusa's Child (1997) (TV), as John F. Kennedy in the miniseries "Kennedy" (1983), and as the "future" president (in a premonition) Greg Stilson in The Dead Zone (1983).
Has played both Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy in The Missiles of October (1974) (TV) and President John F. Kennedy in the mini-series "Kennedy" (1983), and is the only actor to portray both brothers.
He can only put his jacket on by flipping it over his head (like Bartlet in "The West Wing" (1999)). His left arm was crushed by forceps when he was born and he has limited lateral movement.
He has never been nominated for an Academy Award.
He has two roles in common with Cliff Robertson. He and Robertson played John F. Kennedy in "Kennedy" (1983) and PT 109 (1963) respectively. They played Ben Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and Spider-Man (2002) respectively.
His admiration for the Rev. Fulton J. Sheen prompted him to adopt the bishop's name for his acting career.