Martin Sheen, 81, says he regrets using a stage name for his acting career

Martin Sheen, an 81-year-old famous actor, admits he regretted changing his name at the start of his acting career. Ramon Estévez is Martin's real name, and he has never even used his stage name outside the public eye.

The 81-year-old actor revealed he acted under a different name because others advised him to do so. His Spanish father and Irish mother raised him in the United States, where he took the stage name Martin Sheen to succeed as an actor.

Martin admitted that this is one of his biggest regrets. He has never officially changed his name; Ramon Estévez is still listed on his birth certificate.This name is also on his passport, marriage, and driver's licence.


Giving reasons why he has changed his name, Martin remarked that sometimes people get persuaded when they don't have enough knowledge or courage to stand up for their beliefs, and they have to pay for it later. He then said that he was only speaking for himself.

Sheen also revealed that his son, Emilio Estévez, aspired to follow in his father's footsteps in the film industry and chose to keep his given name. For his stint in the West Wing, Martin said his only influence on Emilio was to keep his word. When he started, his agent advised him to change his name to Sheen, but he refused.

Despite this, Martin's other son Charlie has adopted the Sheen stage name. His real name is Carlos Estevez. He is known for his role in the Two and a Half Men series.