This second spotlight comes from personal respect to his work and having met the talented actor, his great kindness to those around him, including his many fans and strangers alike. Martin Sheen has given audiences a wide ranging selection of good films over a long career and has captivated with roles like Josiah Bartlet in The West Wing, Kit Carruthers in Badlands and Thomas Avery in The Way.
Being a fan since I was young, I received a great opportunity on October 13, 2011, to attend a screening of The Way and by lucky chance, to meet Martin Sheen after the film ended. Respectable and proper, he introduced me to his son, Emilio Estevez, who I was informed of his great work as well. I was also fortunate to meet David Anspaugh (director of Hoosiers and Rudy) and the producer of The Way, David Alexanian.
All of whom, I treated as normal, regular human beings, with only slight mentions of their film work during our conversations. Even though he was busy, Martin took the time to talk to me about basics things in life, as he did with any other fan who approached him, signing autographs and giving off to all he talked with the feeling of an old friend discussing basic daily topics.
Aside from the heartfelt messages that his films can convey, Martin has done a great deal for his fans, has raised children with his longtime wife and has inspired a generation of filmmakers to share the same kindness towards their work and fans. Reasons such as these are what makes Martin Sheen the second spotlighted filmmaker, whom if you treat as any other human being, with respect and kindness, will treat you as a friend.
Article by Kale Slade
