Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Charlie Sheen

How Charlie Sheen built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Charlie Sheen, born Carlos Irwin Estévez, is an American actor prominent in film and television. Recognized as a leading man, he has garnered a Golden Globe Award and received nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards. Sheen was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994, solidifying his place in entertainment history.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1974: First Movie Appearance

In 1974, at age nine, Charlie Sheen made his first movie appearance in his father Martin Sheen's film 'The Execution of Private Slovik'.

1983: Film career began

In 1983, Charlie Sheen's film career began when he was cast in Grizzly II: The Predator.

1984: Role in Red Dawn

In 1984, Charlie Sheen played a role in the Cold War teen drama 'Red Dawn'.

1986: Roles in Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Platoon

In 1986, Charlie Sheen appeared in 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' and had his first major role in the Vietnam War drama 'Platoon'.

1987: Support of Ryan White

Charlie Sheen's interest in AIDS was first reported in 1987 with his support of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who became a national spokesperson for AIDS awareness.

1987: Role in Wall Street

In 1987, Charlie Sheen starred in 'Wall Street' alongside his father Martin Sheen, playing the role of Bud Fox.

1988: Roles in Eight Men Out and Young Guns

In 1988, Charlie Sheen starred in the baseball film 'Eight Men Out' and appeared in 'Young Guns' alongside his brother Emilio Estevez, further establishing his presence in the film industry.

1988: Stone Asked Sheen To Star In Born on the Fourth of July

In 1988, Stone asked Sheen to star in his new film Born on the Fourth of July (1989) but later cast Tom Cruise instead.

1989: Cast in Born on the Fourth of July

In 1989, Stone asked Sheen to star in his new film Born on the Fourth of July but later cast Tom Cruise instead.

1990: Appeared in Men at Work

In 1990, Charlie Sheen appeared in 'Men at Work' with his brother Emilio Estevez.

1990: Starred in Cadence and The Rookie

In 1990, Charlie Sheen starred alongside his father in 'Cadence' and with Clint Eastwood in 'The Rookie'.

1990: Roles in The Rookie

In 1990, Charlie Sheen starred in 'The Rookie' with Clint Eastwood, showcasing his versatility in a buddy cop film.

1992: Featured in Beyond the Law

In 1992, Charlie Sheen featured in 'Beyond the Law' with Linda Fiorentino and Michael Madsen.

1993: Role in The Three Musketeers

In 1993, Charlie Sheen starred in 'The Three Musketeers'.

1994: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star

In 1994, Charlie Sheen received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

1996: Voice role in All Dogs Go To Heaven 2

In 1996, Charlie Sheen provided the voice for Charlie in 'All Dogs Go To Heaven 2', replacing Burt Reynolds.

1996: Role in The Arrival

In 1996, Charlie Sheen starred in 'The Arrival'.

1997: Wrote Discovery Mars

In 1997, Charlie Sheen wrote his first movie, Discovery Mars, a direct-to-video documentary.

1999: Appeared in Being John Malkovich

In 1999, Charlie Sheen appeared as himself in the movie 'Being John Malkovich'.

2000: Debuted on Spin City

In 2000, Charlie Sheen debuted on the small screen when he replaced Michael J. Fox on the sitcom 'Spin City'.

2002: Golden Globe Win for Spin City

In 2002, Charlie Sheen won a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for his role in Spin City.

2002: End of Spin City

In 2002, the series 'Spin City' ended.

2003: Appeared in Scary Movie 3

In 2003, Charlie Sheen appeared in 'Scary Movie 3'.

2003: Cast as Charlie Harper in Two and a Half Men

In 2003, Charlie Sheen was cast as Charlie Harper in the CBS sitcom 'Two and a Half Men'.

2003: Cast in Two and a Half Men

In 2003, Charlie Sheen was cast as Charlie Harper in the CBS sitcom 'Two and a Half Men'.

2004: Lee National Denim Day Spokesperson

In 2004, Charlie Sheen served as the spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day breast cancer fundraiser, which raised millions for research and education.

2005: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2005, Charlie Sheen was nominated for a Golden Globe for Two and a Half Men.

2006: Appeared in Scary Movie 4

In 2006, Charlie Sheen appeared in 'Scary Movie 4'.

2006: Golden Globe Nomination

In 2006, Charlie Sheen was nominated for a Golden Globe for Two and a Half Men.

2006: Aid For AIDS Supporter

Since 2006, Charlie Sheen has been a major donor and supporter of Aid For AIDS.

March 27, 2008: Charity Event Co-host

On March 27, 2008, Charlie Sheen and Jenna Elfman co-hosted the Scientology-affiliated New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project charity event.

2009: AFA Angel Award

In 2009, Charlie Sheen was honored with an AFA Angel Award by Aid For AIDS for his support.

2009: Emmy Nomination

In 2009, Charlie Sheen was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for Two and a Half Men.

2010: Highest-Paid TV Actor

In 2010, Charlie Sheen was the highest-paid actor on television, earning $1.8 million per episode of 'Two and a Half Men'.

March 3, 2011: Signed with Ad.ly Marketing Agency

On March 3, 2011, Charlie Sheen signed with Ad.ly marketing agency specializing in Twitter and Facebook promotions.

March 7, 2011: Termination from Two and a Half Men

On March 7, 2011, Charlie Sheen's contract with CBS and Warner Bros. Television was terminated.

March 10, 2011: Announced My Violent Torpedo of Truth Tour

On March 10, 2011, Charlie Sheen announced his nationwide tour, 'My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option'.

2011: Red Cross Donation

In 2011, Charlie Sheen donated one dollar from each ticket sold from his "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option Show" tour to the Red Cross Japanese earthquake Relief Fund.

2011: Support for CDHRAS

In 2011, Charlie Sheen supported the Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support (CDHRAS) by helping critically ill babies born with congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

August 2012: Donation to Cincinnati Reds Community Fund

In August 2012, Charlie Sheen donated $50,000 to the Cincinnati Reds community fund, which supports various charities, and offered to match another donation to encourage sportscaster Marty Brennaman to shave his head for charity.