Hollywood is full of stage names, but few families have a naming history as tangled as the Sheens. If you’ve ever wondered who is Charlie Sheen’s dad, you likely already know his face—and probably his voice, too. He’s the man who played the President of the United States on The West Wing and survived a near-fatal heart attack while filming Apocalypse Now.
His name is Martin Sheen.
But here’s the kicker: Martin Sheen isn't actually his name. Not legally, anyway. Behind the famous moniker is a man born Ramón Gerard Antonio Estévez, a kid from Dayton, Ohio, who fought his way to the top of the acting world while carrying a heavy secret about his own identity.
The Man Behind the Name
Martin Sheen was born in 1940, the seventh of ten children. His parents were immigrants—his father, Francisco, was from Spain, and his mother, Mary-Ann, was from Ireland. Growing up in a large Catholic household, Martin didn't start out with Hollywood dreams. In fact, his father worked at a factory and desperately wanted Martin to go to college to escape the manual labor life.
Martin had other plans.
He deliberately failed his university entrance exam so he could head to New York City and pursue acting. It was a gutsy move. But when he got to the city in the late 1950s, he ran into a wall of prejudice. Casting directors weren't exactly lining up to hire actors with Hispanic surnames.
So, he made a choice he still talks about today. He took the name "Martin" from a CBS casting director who gave him a break and "Sheen" from the popular televangelist Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
✨ Don't miss: Are Sugar Bear and Jennifer Still Married: What Really Happened
He became Martin Sheen. But on his passport, his driver’s license, and his birth certificate? He’s still Ramón Estévez.
The Father-Son Connection: Martin and Charlie
When you ask who is Charlie Sheen’s dad, you aren't just asking for a name. You’re asking about a relationship that has been played out in the tabloids for decades. Charlie Sheen (born Carlos Estévez) is the only one of Martin’s four children to take the "Sheen" stage name. His siblings—Emilio, Ramón, and Renée—all stuck with the family name, Estévez.
Martin has been incredibly open about his regrets regarding the name change. He actually "begged" his children not to follow in his footsteps and change their names. Emilio listened. Charlie, however, went with the name that would eventually become synonymous with "Tiger Blood" and Two and a Half Men.
The two have shared the screen multiple times. They famously played father and son in the 1987 classic Wall Street. Martin played Carl Fox, the hardworking union man who served as the moral compass for Charlie’s ambitious Bud Fox. It was art imitating life in more ways than one.
A Relationship Tested by Fire
Being the father of Charlie Sheen hasn't been an easy road. Martin has spent years supporting his son through high-profile battles with addiction. Honestly, it’s one of the most heartbreaking "real" stories in Hollywood.
In a recent documentary, Charlie opened up about what he felt was the "biggest betrayal" by his father. Years ago, Martin actually turned Charlie in for violating his probation. At the time, Charlie was furious. He felt sold out by his own blood.
🔗 Read more: Amy Slaton Now and Then: Why the TLC Star is Finally "Growing Up"
But as he got sober—Charlie has been sober since 2017—his perspective shifted. He realized that his dad wasn't trying to punish him; he was trying to keep him alive. Martin has often said that watching a child struggle with addiction is like watching them be possessed by a demon. He’s been there for every rehab stint and every public meltdown, always maintaining that Charlie is an "extraordinary" man who just happened to be sick.
Martin Sheen’s Legendary Career
Even if he weren't Charlie’s father, Martin Sheen would be a titan of the industry. He’s had a career that most actors would sell their souls for.
- Apocalypse Now (1979): This is the one that almost killed him. The production was a disaster. Martin was drinking heavily at the time and suffered a massive heart attack in the middle of the jungle. He was only 36.
- The West Wing (1999–2006): To an entire generation, Martin Sheen is President Josiah Bartlet. He brought a level of dignity and intellect to the role that made people wish he could actually run for office.
- Grace and Frankie: More recently, he showed off his comedy chops playing Robert Hanson, a man who comes out as gay in his 70s to marry his best friend.
He’s won Emmys and Golden Globes, but if you ask him what matters most, he’ll probably talk to you about activism.
The Activist Dad
Martin Sheen is arguably as famous for his arrests as he is for his acting. He has been arrested over 60 times for acts of civil disobedience. He’s a devout Catholic with a strong "consistent life ethic," which means he’s spent his life protesting against war, nuclear weapons, and the death penalty.
He’s not a "Hollywood liberal" who just signs checks. He’s the guy on the front lines, getting handcuffed at protests well into his 80s.
It’s this moral core that defines him as a father. Whether he was encouraging Emilio to keep the Estévez name to honor his heritage or standing by Charlie during his darkest hours, Martin has always been about authenticity. He’s a man who deeply regrets hiding his Spanish roots for a job but spent the rest of his life making sure everyone knew exactly who he was.
💡 You might also like: Akon Age and Birthday: What Most People Get Wrong
Surprising Facts About Martin Sheen
Most people don't know that Martin has a permanent injury from birth. His left arm was crushed by forceps during delivery, leaving it three inches shorter than his right. If you watch his movies closely, you’ll notice he often keeps his left hand in his pocket or moves it differently.
Also, despite his wealth, he’s known for being incredibly humble. There are countless stories from film sets of Martin greeting every single extra and crew member by name. He’s the kind of guy who remembers your kid's birthday after meeting you once.
What You Can Learn from the Sheen Legacy
The story of Martin and Charlie Sheen is more than just celebrity gossip. It’s a case study in family, identity, and the price of fame.
- Identity Matters: Martin’s regret over his name change is a powerful reminder to own your heritage.
- Redemption is Possible: Both Martin and Charlie have faced addiction. Martin found his way out decades ago, and Charlie is currently on that path. It proves it’s never too late to turn things around.
- Tough Love is Hard but Necessary: Turning in your own son is a nightmare scenario for any parent. But in the Sheen family, it might have been the very thing that saved a life.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into their history, I highly recommend reading Along the Way: The Journey of a Father and Son. It’s a memoir they wrote together that doesn't sugarcoat anything. It’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s probably the best look you’ll get at the man behind the legend.
To see Martin Sheen in his prime, go back and watch Badlands or the "Two Cathedrals" episode of The West Wing. You’ll see exactly why he’s considered one of the greatest to ever do it—and why being "Charlie Sheen's dad" is just one small part of his massive legacy.