Post by Lemon Lyman on Aug 18, 2003 12:55:57 GMT
Sheen Reassures About 'West Wing,'
Martin Sheen has reassuring words for fans of NBC's richly honored "The West Wing" that have been wondering about the show's future. "So far, we're still aboard the same vehicle. We're still liberal, still Democratic, and we'll always be progressive."
As followers of the drama are aware, executive producer John Wells ("ER") has taken over the reins of the series in the wake of creator Aaron Sorkin, who departed the show last spring.
"We were just staggered by the departure. We let them know how badly we all felt. But we had an equal measure of support for John Wells," says Sheen, an Emmy nominee and previous winner for his portrayal of the fictional President. "We've all met with him. The invitation is open, and many of us have gone in and talked to the writers and suggested ideas for various episodes."
As far as the contractual renegotiation initiated by Allison Janney, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff, Sheen says he's certain "It will be resolved. It's a normal negotiation, natural for anyone on a series this long."
And his castmates are showing up for work -- no threatened no shows as was the case two years ago? "None of that, no," says Sheen.
Sheen's portrayal of President Bartlet took on new dimension with the latest season ender, which found him temporarily turning over Presidential powers to the Speaker of the House (a Republican played by John Goodman) - following the kidnapping of one of his daughters. The storyline is playing out in "a really, deeply personal way, so I got a chance to explore that."
However, Sheen deadpans that what's been going on in his series is no more dramatic than what's happening in California politics.
Okay, so what does Sheen, one of Hollywood's major activist liberals, think of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his run for governor?
"I think he's a terrific guy, what's not to like?" he says. "But he's not a public servant, and you really have to consider that."
Taken from Netscape.com
Martin Sheen has reassuring words for fans of NBC's richly honored "The West Wing" that have been wondering about the show's future. "So far, we're still aboard the same vehicle. We're still liberal, still Democratic, and we'll always be progressive."
As followers of the drama are aware, executive producer John Wells ("ER") has taken over the reins of the series in the wake of creator Aaron Sorkin, who departed the show last spring.
"We were just staggered by the departure. We let them know how badly we all felt. But we had an equal measure of support for John Wells," says Sheen, an Emmy nominee and previous winner for his portrayal of the fictional President. "We've all met with him. The invitation is open, and many of us have gone in and talked to the writers and suggested ideas for various episodes."
As far as the contractual renegotiation initiated by Allison Janney, John Spencer, Bradley Whitford and Richard Schiff, Sheen says he's certain "It will be resolved. It's a normal negotiation, natural for anyone on a series this long."
And his castmates are showing up for work -- no threatened no shows as was the case two years ago? "None of that, no," says Sheen.
Sheen's portrayal of President Bartlet took on new dimension with the latest season ender, which found him temporarily turning over Presidential powers to the Speaker of the House (a Republican played by John Goodman) - following the kidnapping of one of his daughters. The storyline is playing out in "a really, deeply personal way, so I got a chance to explore that."
However, Sheen deadpans that what's been going on in his series is no more dramatic than what's happening in California politics.
Okay, so what does Sheen, one of Hollywood's major activist liberals, think of Arnold Schwarzenegger and his run for governor?
"I think he's a terrific guy, what's not to like?" he says. "But he's not a public servant, and you really have to consider that."
Taken from Netscape.com
