Profile of the Day: Martin Sheen

Martin Sheen

Happy birthday, Martin Sheen! Today the actor turns 77.

He was born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez on August 3, 1940 in Dayton, Ohio to immigrant parents. His father, Francisco Estévez, was born in Spain, while his mother, Mary-Ann Phelan, was born in Ireland. As one of ten children, Sheen grew up in a large family. When his mother died when he was 11 years old, the family faced the possibility of separation, either into foster homes or an orphanage. It was with the assistance of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dayton that the entire family was able to remain together.

Sheen developed an interest in acting at a young age and adopted the stage name, Martin Sheen, to help him gain more parts. Over the course of his career, Sheen has made notable appearances in several major films, including his starring role in Apocalypse Now. Today, he is perhaps best known for his Emmy-winning role of President Josiah Bartlet in the television series, The West Wing.

How are you related to Martin Sheen? Explore his family tree and share you’re connection to the actor!
 

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Image: Georges Biard, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)