University of Ireland accepts Sheen as new student

West Wing actor Martin Sheen, 66, who was born Ramon Estévez in Dayton, Ohio, officially became a student once again when he registered for an arts degree at a university in the west of Ireland. Martin Sheen - says

Martin Sheen - says "Badlands" was his favorite performance. © Chris Hatcher / PhotorazziThe Apocalypse Now and Wall Street star and father of Emilio Estevez and Charlie Sheen is taking classes in English Literature, Philosophy and Oceanography at the National University of Ireland, Galway.Sheen, like so many Americans, has strong Irish roots. His mother, Mary Ann Phelan, hails from the Irish village of Terryglass, on the lakeshores of Lough Derg, Co Tipperary. Sheen is the seventh of 10 children, and the actor still has relatives in Ireland. Sheen was quoted 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 Malibu resident and veteran actor 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 endeavors,” 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 political activism and liberal outlook, Sheen, a devout Catholic, has been arrested more than 60 times during his four decade-long acting career for public protests. He has also supported causes for animal rights group PETA and is a proponent of the Consistent Life Ethic which advocates against abortion, the death penalty and war.