Martin Sheen Shares His Journey Through Theater, Film, And Family

Back in 1968, a young and ambitious actor named Martin Sheen made waves in the world of theater by starring in a groundbreaking adaptation of Hamlet in New York City. This revolutionary production, brought to life by the legendary founder of Free Shakespeare in the Park, Joseph Papp, reimagined Shakespeare's classic tragedy with a modern twist and rock music. "Joe had this vision of creating a contemporary version of the play that could resonate with audiences who weren’t exactly lining up to see Shakespeare," Martin, now 81, reveals to Closer. "So, we sang, we danced, and we called it Hamlet as a Happening or The Naked Hamlet. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in the theater."

Martin’s career skyrocketed after this transformative experience. He went on to star in iconic films like Badlands and Apocalypse Now, and he became a household name as U.S. President Josiah Bartlet in the beloved TV series The West Wing. He cherishes the memories of his time with Joseph Papp, which are beautifully captured in the star-studded PBS documentary American Masters: Joe Papp in Five Acts, which premiered on June 3. "Being part of that theater and knowing Joe during such an extraordinary time—it’s the highlight of my life in the theater," Martin reflects. Be sure to check your local PBS station for additional airings.

Life in the Theater: A Decade in New York

How much time did you spend in New York City doing theater?

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"I landed in New York as a young man in 1959, and I stayed there for a full decade. Those were transformative years—not just for my career but for my personal life as well. That’s where I met my wife, Jan, got married, and had all of our children. Those ten years shaped me as a husband, father, activist, and actor. It was a defining chapter of my life."

What Made Theater So Special?

What did you enjoy most about your theater days?

"There’s a saying athletes use: 'We’re not going to leave anything off the field.' That’s exactly how I felt about theater. I poured everything I had into every performance. Joe Papp was an incredible motivator. He encouraged us to take risks, to push boundaries, and to explore the wildest ideas. Walking into rehearsals every day was like stepping into a world of endless possibilities. You couldn’t help but be excited."

Joe Papp: The Man Behind the Magic

What was Joe Papp like as a person?

"Joe was one of those rare individuals who could make you feel completely at ease, no matter how big his reputation loomed. Despite being hailed as a theatrical god, he was down-to-earth, relatable, and fiercely protective of the arts and artists. He had a Brooklyn accent, a street fighter’s spirit, and a deep disdain for bullies. He inspired me to follow my heart and conscience—not just in theater, but in life. He was truly a mentor and a friend."

The Roots of a Career: From Dayton to Hollywood

What first inspired you to pursue acting?

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"Growing up in Dayton, Ohio, my only real exposure to professional theater came from summer stock productions that visited town every year. Those performances ignited something in me. I also spent countless hours at the movies, mesmerized by the stories and the stars. James Dean was one of my idols. Even as a kid, I felt this innate connection to acting. I knew deep down that I belonged on stage or in front of the camera. It wasn’t something I could explain back then, but it was a calling I couldn’t ignore."

You loved the movies.

"Oh, absolutely! Watching movies was a magical experience for me. I’d sit there completely absorbed, imagining myself in those roles. James Dean was a huge inspiration. Even as a teenager, I felt this connection to acting. I always believed I had a knack for it, though I couldn’t quite articulate it at the time. After finishing high school, I didn’t hesitate. I packed up and headed straight to New York."

Family Tensions: Pursuing a Dream Against the Odds

Is it true your father didn’t want you to go into show business?

"You can’t blame him. Both my parents were immigrants—my father from Spain, my mother from Ireland. My real name is Ramon Estévez. My father worked in a factory most of his life, and he wanted me to go to college so I could have better opportunities. We had some tough discussions about my decision to pursue acting. But eventually, he saw how passionate I was. He gave me his blessing, and I’ll forever be grateful for that."

Standing Firm: Changing Names and Regrets

Did you object to your own children going into acting?

"Not at all, though honestly, I wasn’t even aware of it at first. I was so focused on providing for my family that I didn’t notice their interest in acting. One day, Emilio showed up on a show I was doing, and I realized he’d landed a role in the same production. The only advice I gave him was to keep his real name. His agent wanted him to change it to 'Sheen,' but thankfully, Emilio stuck with his roots. That decision has been a source of immense pride for me."

Were you sorry you changed yours?

"That’s definitely one of my regrets. I never officially changed my name—it’s still Ramon Estévez on all my legal documents. Sometimes, when you’re young and lack confidence, you let others sway you. It’s a lesson I learned the hard way, but it’s a personal choice. Everyone’s journey is different."

Career Highlights: From Breakthrough Roles to Lasting Legacies

What do you consider your big break?

"Honestly, just getting a job felt like a big break! I’d do it for free if I could. Acting isn’t about the money; it’s about the passion. And I’ve been fortunate enough to follow that passion for decades."

What made The West Wing so special?

"It’s the people—the incredible talent, the camaraderie, the mutual respect. John Spencer and I were the eldest, so we kind of served as the 'parents' of the group. But everyone brought something unique to the table. To this day, I receive letters from fans who are discovering the show for the first time. Many young people were inspired to pursue careers in public service because of it. That’s an incredible legacy to leave behind."

Do you have any other favorite roles?

"One role that fills me with immense gratitude is The Way. We filmed it in Spain, and it’s dedicated to my father, who was from Galicia. Written, directed, and starring my son Emilio Estevez, it’s easily the best project I’ve ever been part of. Thousands of people have seen the film and been inspired to embark on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. That’s a legacy I’m deeply proud of."