This talented actor first gained widespread recognition in 1979 for his iconic portrayal of Captain Benjamin Willard in Apocalypse Now.
With multiple Emmy, SAG, and Golden Globe awards to his name, he is regarded as one of America’s most accomplished, dynamic, and renowned performers.
A Modest Upbringing and Early Passion for Acting
Growing up, he never considered his family to be poor, as those around him lived under similar conditions. Though times were tough, losing his mother before turning eleven made him more resilient, patient, and appreciative of his father’s efforts.
At around six or seven years old, Martin Sheen began going to the movies, and over time, he realized that acting was his true calling.
During high school, he worked as a caddy at an upscale golf club in Dayton, Ohio, an experience that allowed him to support his father and led to many memorable moments.
While in high school, Martin participated in numerous stage productions, though his primary interest lay in the drama club. His mentor, Father Alfred Drapp, recognized his potential and provided financial assistance for him to travel to New York to pursue his acting dreams.
Building a Career and a New Identity
Martin made his stage debut as a freshman in The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial by Herman Wouk, playing a yeoman court stenographer. Upon moving to New York in his early twenties, he realized that his birth name was a barrier to his acting career, as many struggled to pronounce it.
To create a more recognizable stage name, he drew inspiration from two influential figures—American archbishop Fulton J. Sheen and CBS casting director Robert Dale Martin. However, he continued to use his given name on official documents.
A Love Story That Stood the Test of Time
Martin’s wife, Janet Sheen (born Janet Elizabeth Templeton), was born in Ohio on July 8, 1944. Alongside her work as a producer, she has two acting credits, best known for her roles in Kennedy, Beverly Hills Brats, and The Way.
The couple first crossed paths in the winter of 1960 when Janet moved from Ohio to New York. As the only child of an unmarried mother, she spent her early years being raised by her grandparents in Kentucky.
Their love story began with a spontaneous breakfast gathering at a local Jewish deli, where they were joined by a dozen of their friends from the Living Theatre. It was a day they would never forget.
Despite their strong bond, financial struggles forced them out of their home. With only a suitcase of belongings, they moved in with Martin’s father and brothers before eventually finding an affordable apartment. Coincidentally, they ended up in the same building where Paul Newman had once rented an apartment. They stayed there for two years.
Their second son, Ramón, was born so suddenly that they didn’t even make it to the hospital. Janet experienced severe bleeding after the baby got stuck in the birth canal, and before Martin could call for an ambulance, the baby had already arrived.
At first, Martin misunderstood Janet’s words, thinking she was giving birth to twins when she mentioned the placenta. Fortunately, both mother and child were declared healthy upon reaching the hospital.
Health Battles and Janet’s Unwavering Support
While filming Apocalypse Now in the Philippines, Martin suffered a heart attack and lost a significant amount of weight. He was rushed to Makati Medical Center in Manila, where Janet reassured him, whispering, “It’s only a movie,” as he was wheeled through the hallway.
Her words resonated deeply with him, helping him to recover both mentally and physically. The moment strengthened their bond even further.
However, Martin’s struggles didn’t end there. Reflecting on his heart attack, he admitted, “I completely fell apart. My soul was laid bare. I cried a lot. My beard and eyes turned gray.” During his time in critical care, Janet never left his side, even sleeping on the hospital floor.
Determined to take responsibility for his health, Martin put in the effort needed to recover. When he underwent quadruple bypass surgery in December 2015, Janet remained his rock, bringing humor into the situation and reminding him not to be too hard on himself.
Through it all, Martin also battled alcoholism, overcoming his addiction a decade after his first heart attack, thanks in part to Janet’s unwavering support.
A Marriage That Lasted Over Six Decades
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Martin and Janet celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, he humorously admitted, “I was lucky to marry the scariest woman I’d ever met.”
Despite her honesty—sometimes brutal—Martin appreciated her candor, believing it kept him grounded and strengthened their marriage, which has now lasted 61 years. Their family remained close-knit, always valuing honesty. Even when Martin was away filming, the children understood the sacrifices involved.
Janet was the most straightforward person Martin had ever met, and it took him years to match her level-headedness. “I can never quite keep up with her,” he admitted. “And whenever I try to find her, she always seems to disappear.”
A Dedicated Father to Four Children
Martin and Janet raised four children: Emilio, Ramón, Carlos (Charlie Sheen), and Renée. As a devoted father, Martin supported his children’s endeavors, with Emilio becoming a well-known actor, director, and screenwriter, gaining fame in the 1980s as part of the “Brat Pack.”
Despite the ups and downs, Martin Sheen has built a legacy not just through his work but also through his unwavering commitment to his family and the love of his life, Janet.