West Wing actor Sheen signs up for degree in Galway
West Wing actor Martin Sheen today officially became a student again when he registered for an arts degree at a university in the west of Ireland.
The 66-year-old star of films such as Apocalypse Now and Wall Street is to take classes in English Literature, Philosophy and Oceanography at the National University of Ireland, Galway.
Sheen is taking a break from his illustrious acting career to immerse himself in campus life in the most westerly city of Europe, far from the distractions of Hollywood.
Born Ramon Estévez, in Dayton, Ohio, he has strong Irish roots with his mother, Mary Ann Phelan, hailing from the small village of Terryglass, on the lakeshores of Lough Derg, Co Tipperary.
The seventh of 12 children, the actor still has relatives in Ireland and was quoted as saying he wanted to finish his education after retirement as he never completed his high school diploma.
University president Dr Iognaid O’Muircheartaigh bid the man known as President Jed Bartlet in the award-winning TV series West Wing a heartfelt “Cead Mile Failte” (One hundred thousand welcomes) on his arrival at the campus.
“We hope he will enjoy being part of our friendly, vibrant and diverse community and wish him well in his academic endeavours,” he said.
Earlier this year, the university conferred an honorary degree on Sheen in recognition of his acting talent and work as a champion of the poor and vulnerable in society.
“Throughout his life his actions of non-violent civil disobedience and consistent opposition to war have been the cornerstone of his character,” a university spokeswoman said.
Long known for his support of liberal causes, Sheen has been arrested more than 60 times during his four decade-long acting career for public protests.
He has played more than 200 screen roles including memorable performances in Badlands, Ghandi, Missiles of October, Dead Zone and The American President.
