Sheen had wanted to act since he was very young, but his father disapproved. He purposely flunked out of the University of Dayton[?] so that he could pursue his goal. His first major role was on Broadway, in The Subject Was Roses, which he recreated in the 1968 film of the same name. But he did not receive another important part until 1973, when he starred with Sissy Spacek in the crime drama Badlands. It was his 1979 starring role in Apocalypse Now which gained him fame. He received much critical acclaim for his starring role as Private Eddie Slovik in the motion-picture story of the last American soldier to be court-martialed and executed.
Sheen's sons, Charlie Sheen[?] and Emilio Estevez[?] have gained fame in Hollywood on their own. Martin Sheen starred with his son Charlie in Wall Street in 1987. Sheen has been known for his support of liberal political causes, including being arrested several times for protesting against United States military actions.
His role as a fictional President of the United States of America in the television drama The West Wing has again brought him considerable acclaim.
Sheen tends to emphasize his Irish side over his Hispanic side.
Sheen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at 1500 Vine Street.
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