Martin Sheen is the patriarch in a distinguished acting family. Sheen appeared in the political-themed TV series The West Wing (1999-2006) as well as films like Roses were the Subject (1968), Badlands (1973), Apocalypse Now (1979),The Departed (2006).
His children all have made their own careers in the entertainment industry. Emilio Estevez (Charlie Sheen), Ramon Estevez (Ramon Estevez), and Renee Estevez have many acting credits, along with some songwriting and filmmaking credits. They are a Hollywood dynasty and their collective accomplishments are impressive.
While the Sheen-Estevez family’s many accomplishments are well-known, the reason for their different last names may not be. Here’s the story.
Ethnic Prejudice In The Entertainment Industry Led To The Brothers’ Different Last Names
The family patriarch, Martin Sheen (born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez), changed his stage name after being denied roles because of his heritage. Interview with Closer Weekly Sheen explainedIn retrospect, his decision. “Sometimes you get persuaded when you don’t have enough insight or even enough courage to stand up for what you believe in, and you pay for it later. But, of course, I’m only speaking for myself.”
He admits that his birth name may have hindered him in his career, particularly early on. He said The Guardian “It’s difficult enough trying to get started as an actor, and my name kept throwing people—they couldn’t pronounce it. I thought, ‘I’ve got enough problems, I can’t be bogged down with this name.””
He said he does regret dropping the name Estevez, although it is still on official documents like his driver’s license, marriage license, and passport.
Charlie followed in his father’s footsteps and changed his name from Carlos Irwin Estévez. A 2017 interview with Fox NewsHe said:As a child, he started to go by “Charlie”Carlos was his uncle. He took his father’s stage surname when he decided to become an actor.
Charlie claims his parents didn’t emphasize their Latinx heritage in raising them. He says he’s not ashamed of his background or trying to hide it—he just identifies as a white man. “I don’t wake up feeling Latino,”He elaborated. “I’m a white guy in America.”
Emilio chose to keep his last name because he didn’t want to coast into acting based on nepotism. He said The GuardianThat the decision didn’t come without some criticism. “My decision was met with a lot of resistance at the time. … but it was abundantly clear to me that my father had earned his name and I hadn’t.”Emilio also claimed that he enjoyed the alliteration in the double “E”His first and last names.
Emilio, like his brother Charlie said that he feels in sync to his Spanish heritage. According to an archived copy of a Interview 2011 with Latina, He explained., “I chose to stay with my family name because, first of all, ‘Emilio Sheen’ looks stupid. Right? And it’s just not who I am, man. And I have to tell you, the Latino community has always been very supportive of that choice and very proud of me that I chose to go with that—and honor my Latino roots.”
Emilio said that Hollywood executives did pressure him to ditch his name, but he’s glad he didn’t. Emilio claimed that his father told him. “Don’t make the same mistake I made. You will regret it for the rest of your life.”
Despite their differences, the siblings are supportive of each other.
Some Sheen-Estevez relatives have suffered from addiction. Emilio acknowledged that he once had a conflictual relationship with Martin, particularly when Martin was a drinker. He shared how traumatizing it was for him. An interview with The TelegraphIn 2011.
An archived version from the interview shows Emilio recalling that. “I hated him when he got drunk, because he got violent.” He claimed that his father sometimes physically took out his frustrations on him; he was the oldest of the children, thus seemingly the most susceptible to Martin’s alcohol-fueled wrath.
They were unable to control their emotions during the set of Apocalypse Now It was a difficult, trouble-plagued shoot that took place in the Philippines. Martin brought Janet, his wife, and Emilio, the teenage Emilio, along with him during filming.
Looking back, Emilio called this period. “horrible.”Martin is now sober. Ramon is a teetotaler. While things are now much better, they have only gotten worse. Charlie’s emotional eruptions, marital wrangles, and out-of-control behavior eventually caused him to be fired from Two and a half men.
Charlie was able to get back on track after being diagnosed with HIV. 2019 Emilio told People, “He’s great. We’re just proud of him.”He even suggested at the time that they might do something again together. Ramon produced the TV series. Anger ManagementCharlie with Charlie 2012 to 2014.
Emilio Estevez Rocketed To Fame As A Member Of The Brat Pack In The ’80s
Emilio was in Gen X films such as The Outsiders, The Breakfast ClubAnd St. Elmo’s Fire. Emilio’s presence in films was established by his classic coming-of age films, but these were only one of many milestones in his career.
Emilio began his independent career in 1990s.
Emilio let go of his Brat Pack identity in the projects he completed in the 1990s that showcased his skills behind the camera. He directed, wrote, and starred in several films. Men at Work(1990), comedy-action movie starring Charlie and his brother.
He was in all three films. The Mighty Ducks trilogy. Those popular Disney movies described a fictional youth hockey team coached by Emilio’s character, Gordon Bombay.
Emilio also starred alongside his father in The War at Home(1996) The Way (2010).
Emilio Is A Respected Director
WisdomEmilio’s next significant achievement was in 1986. This film made Emilio the youngest person to ever write, direct and star in one major motion picture. He has directed episodes for many TV series, including Cold Case CSI: NY.
BobbyEmilio produced and directed (2006). It was an account about the assassination attempt on Senator Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, shortly after he won California’s presidential primary. It featured an impressive ensemble cast that included Helen Hunt, Anthony Hopkins, Sharon Stone and Emilio’s father, Martin.
The Way (2010) was written, directed and produced in part by Emilio. He also starred as his father. Filmed in Spain, it is dedicated to Emilio’s grandfather, Francisco Estevez.
Ramon is also an actor and producer
Ramon was seen in films such as That Was Then…This Is Now(1985) Cadence (1990). He runs Estevez Sheen Productions.
Martin Sheen’s talented children have faced their fair share of obstacles throughout the years. Although they have varying takes on their ethnic background and on keeping their father’s given surname, they seem to have come together in a loving and respectful way as a family of immensely creative, successful artists.