Martin Sheen, best known for his role as President Josiah Bartlet on the acclaimed series The West Wing, will be joining MSNBC host Nicolle Wallace for a live taping of her podcast, The Best People, on October 11 at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York. This event is part of the MSNBCLIVE ‘25: This Is Who We Are’ series, giving fans a rare chance to see Sheen discuss both his iconic character and his real-life political engagement.
The actor, whose birth name is Ramón Estevez, captivated audiences for seven seasons as the fictional president. Despite his prominent television role, Sheen is also known for his active political stance, particularly his support of Democratic candidates. His upcoming appearance alongside MSNBC personalities such as Rachel Maddow, Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, Lawrence O’Donnell, Jen Psaki, and Ali Velshi promises engaging conversations steeped in political and entertainment history.
Martin Sheen’s Deep Connection to The West Wing’s Political Narrative
Martin Sheen’s portrayal of President Bartlet earned critical acclaim and a devoted fan base, making it one of the most memorable parts of his career. Beyond acting, Sheen is an outspoken Democrat and was a vocal supporter of Kamala Harris during her 2020 presidential bid. However, Sheen has emphasized that his dedication to the role was primarily due to the strength of the show’s writing rather than his political beliefs.
It’s the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done in my acting career,
Sheen said in a 2020 interview with Entertainment Weekly.
I always think of it with gratitude and humility. I’m often asked would I have done it if the president had been a Republican. I responded even today to that question the way I did 20 years ago and said, ‘If Aaron Sorkin wrote him, I would play it.’
—Martin Sheen, Actor
He further explained that the character’s appeal lay in his humanity.
The chief part of the character that I responded to and I think is projected in almost every episode is a level of humanity, a level of compassion, a great sense of curiosity and self-effacement.
—Martin Sheen, Actor
Behind the Creation of The West Wing’s Bartlet Administration
The idea for The West Wing emerged unexpectedly during a cigarette break taken by Aaron Sorkin and his friend Akiva Goldsman. Fresh from writing for films like A Few Good Men and The American President, Sorkin had not originally considered television as a medium for his storytelling. However, after meeting with producer John Wells, Sorkin pitched a series about senior White House staffers and quickly landed a deal.
The night before the meeting, some friends were over for dinner and Akiva Goldsman and I slipped downstairs to the basement so we could sneak a cigarette,
Sorkin recalled.
He said, ‘You know what would make a good television series? That.’ And he was pointing at The American President poster.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Despite initial interest, the show’s launch faced significant hurdles. The political scandal around President Bill Clinton in the late 1990s cast a shadow over any political drama, making networks wary of the concept. Sorkin admitted,
It was hard, at least for Americans, to look at the White House and think of anything but a punch line.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
The Vision and Tone That Defined The West Wing
Aaron Sorkin’s ambition was to shift the portrayal of politicians from caricatures to complex, capable individuals. He envisioned a White House staff as competent and dedicated as professionals in other high-stakes workplaces, like hospitals and law firms. The show was intended to depict political figures with confidence and humanity while showing their vulnerabilities and struggles.
The whole idea behind The West Wing was that in pop culture, our elected officials are portrayed either as Machiavellian or dolts,
Sorkin told Entertainment Weekly.
So I wanted to create this very unusual workplace: the White House where the people who work there were as competent as the doctors and nurses on a hospital show or the detectives on a cop show or the lawyers on a lawyer show. And they were going to lose as much as they were going to win. And they were going to slip on banana peels from time to time, but we were going to be certain of two things: One, they’re hyperconfident; and two, they wake up every morning thinking about how to do something better.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Challenges and Casting Choices in Developing Iconic Characters
The production faced pressure to introduce more populist characters, such as a former wrestler or race car driver, as a way to attract audiences skeptical of liberal politics. However, Sorkin and Wells resisted this trend, choosing instead to maintain the show’s original focus on thoughtful political work. The role of Deputy Communications Secretary Sam Seaborn, originally at risk without Rob Lowe’s commitment, nearly went to Bradley Whitford before casting settled.
The network kept saying, ‘We don’t want to do something about a liberal Democrat. We need a populist, somebody who’s a wrestler or a race car driver or a football player coming in from the outside and shaking things up,’
Wells explained.
We chose not to do that.
—John Wells, Executive Producer
In casting Sam, even Sorkin was hesitant about Lowe’s involvement, fearing it would disrupt the ensemble’s balance. However, Lowe’s early work won the part unanimously.
While it was all right with me that the president was being played by a movie star, I thought having one play Sam would throw the balance of the cast out of whack,
Sorkin told The Hollywood Reporter.
And then he read the first of three scenes he’d prepared. I don’t remember the second or the third because he’d already gotten the part a page into the first, and I was thinking of stories for a character who has no idea he looks like Rob Lowe. ‘Pay him whatever he wants,’ I said.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Alternate Casting and Character Evolution
The series almost featured different actors in major roles; CCH Pounder was considered for press secretary turned chief of staff C.J. Cregg, a part that eventually went to Allison Janney, while Eugene Levy was eyed for Communications Director Toby Ziegler and Sidney Poitier for President Bartlet. Due to budget constraints, these deals never materialized.
Initially, President Bartlet’s role was minor, with plans for appearances in just a few episodes per season. However, the pilot’s final scene, where Bartlet firmly asserts his authority, changed the show’s focus.
Aaron’s whole thing was that he didn’t want the pomposity of the presidency. He didn’t want everybody to do exactly what, in the final scene, everyone does, which is stand still and be respectful and just listen to what the President has to say,
director Thomas Schlamme observed.
But once we cast Martin and we realized Martin’s incredible accessibility, nothing felt pompous or aloof. If the show is about all the planets, let’s end it with the sun.
—Thomas Schlamme, Director and Executive Producer
As executive producer John Wells revealed, Martin Sheen’s character tested highest among viewers early on, prompting an increase in screen time.
Cast Dynamics and On-Set Anecdotes
Cast members shared fond memories and humorous moments from the set. Richard Schiff, who played Toby Ziegler, laughed about his first day working with Sheen, who entered a scene chewing chicken with food still on his face, cracking up the cast and crew.
That was one of the last scenes we shot and it was the first time I had met Martin,
Schiff recalled.
When I first saw him coming to rehearsal for his entrance, both of his cheeks were like a chipmunk: full of food and greasy. He had a piece of chicken in his hand and he was chewing. He just cracked me up laughing. Then he does his big entrance, ‘I am the Lord your God!’ and I could still see the grease the make-up people didn’t get off his face! I was just gone.
Cast members Allison Janney and Schiff were often caught struggling to stay serious during takes, much to the amusement of the production team and audience. Sorkin commented on their infectious laughter.
The worst offenders were Richard and Allison,
Sorkin said.
If they had a scene together they’d be serious geniuses for three takes and then they’d lose it. It got to the point that where we were doing single coverage, we’d have to move one of them out of the room. Many of the best moments of Toby talking to C.J. are Toby talking to the Script Supervisor.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Character Depth Influenced by Martin Sheen’s Personal Beliefs
When Martin Sheen became a regular on the series, he requested that President Bartlet be written as a Catholic graduate from the University of Notre Dame, reflecting his own faith and moral outlook. These elements became defining traits of the character.
That they make Bartlet a Catholic—because I wanted him to form all of his opinions from a moral frame of reference and as a Catholic myself, that’s the way I framed all of my actions,
Sheen explained.
And I also asked that he be a graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Aaron agreed to both of them and they became a staple of the character.
—Martin Sheen, Actor
Bartlet’s diagnosis with multiple sclerosis was a significant plot development that took the cast by surprise. Aaron Sorkin revealed that it originated from his desire to depict the president taking a sick day, which led to introducing a serious illness as part of the storyline.
Whatever he’s got, whether it’s the cold or the flu, should also exhibit signs of something else that Abbey is worried about,
Sorkin said.
All kinds of hands went up and said, ‘Aaron, where are you going with the whole MS storyline? What’s going to happen now?’
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Consultants and Political Insiders Enhance the Series’ Authenticity
The West Wing distinguished itself with the involvement of numerous Washington insiders who served as consultants and writers. These included press secretaries from past presidential administrations, economic advisors, and speechwriters, contributing to the show’s realistic portrayal of politics.
Among them were Dee Dee Myers and Marlin Fitzwater, as well as Gene Sperling and Peggy Noonan. The writing room also featured former political staffers like Eli Attie and Pat Caddell, adding credibility to the scripts.
It was an intimidating room to be in, and I was very nervous my first day,
recalled co-executive producer Kevin Falls.
Some of these people answered to American presidents and about the only subject I could address with confidence was when we’d break for lunch.
—Kevin Falls, Co-Executive Producer
Cast Members’ Journeys and Relationships On and Off Screen
Janel Moloney, who portrayed Josh Lyman’s assistant Donna Moss, initially kept her job as a restaurant hostess while beginning on the show, unaware that her role would quickly become central.
I was hostessing at an Italian restaurant in Beverly Hills called Il Pastaio, and I kept my job at the restaurant at first,
Moloney shared.
But by the third episode, I knew that they were never going to get rid of me.
—Janel Moloney, Actress
She anticipated Donna’s unyielding devotion to Josh long before the romantic storyline unfolded in the final season.
The whole basis of my character, before I even started on day one, was ‘Donna is drop-dead, head-over-heels, 100 percent would die for Josh,
she said at the 2016 ATX Festival.
Every file I signed, every policy I asked about, the subtext was ‘I just love you so much, I would do anything for you at any moment.’
—Janel Moloney, Actress
Allison Janney’s portrayal of C.J. Cregg became a career-defining role. Janney described the character as a champion for women and someone who was fearless in speaking truth to power within a traditionally male-dominated environment.
She is my favorite character I’ve ever played because she’s someone that I aspire to. She’s a wonderful character, she’s not afraid to speak truth to power. She’s a woman in a traditionally male-populated arena in the White House and she was given the president’s ear. And it’s a great role to champion women. She’s such an amazing character. She’s the one I most want to be like and who I’m most not like.
—Allison Janney, Actress
Memorable On-Set Moments and Challenges of Filming
While the cast formed close bonds, the demanding filming schedule took its toll. Bradley Whitford, who played Josh Lyman, reflected on the toll the hours took on their personal lives.
The hours on that show were so bad. I mean, just horrible,
Whitford said.
I remember going to Tommy and saying to him, ‘The invisible carnage of the unf–ked wives and the children not being read to is just wafting out.’
—Bradley Whitford, Actor
Director Thomas Schlamme acknowledged the grueling hours, though he found relief in the camaraderie among the cast and crew.
I think Brad thought of that line later and wished he had said it to me,
Schlamme joked.
Fortunately, our children are still standing, though my three still call it ‘the West Wing years.’
—Thomas Schlamme, Director and Executive Producer
In some instances, the cast was able to film on location inside the real White House, creating unique and memorable experiences, including a late-night gathering in the Situation Room after filming.
Somebody had recognized Brad and said: ‘We’re doing night duty in the situation room downstairs. When you guys get done, come down and have a drink,’
Schlamme recalled.
Next thing we know, we’ve wrapped and we’re in the situation room at 2:30 in the morning drinking vodka.
—Thomas Schlamme, Director and Executive Producer
Politics and Reality: The Intersection of Fiction and Fact
Key episodes and storylines often intertwined with real political figures and events. For example, the 2000 Democratic National Convention saw Martin Sheen embraced by delegates, who treated him like a real president.
So we go downtown, and we have to walk a quarter-mile to Staples Center, and as we’re walking, everyone recognizes Martin—hard hats, delegates, everybody—and Martin is embracing it,
recalled co-executive producer Kevin Falls.
Martin thinks he’s president. He’s waving, signing autographs. It was surreal.
—Kevin Falls, Co-Executive Producer
One of the show’s most celebrated episodes, “Two Cathedrals,” was filmed at the National Cathedral, with clergy members observing rehearsals. Sorkin humorously recounted warning one priest of the impending scene in which Sheen’s character curses at God.
During rehearsals there were a number of clergy standing around watching,
Sorkin said.
I walked up to a priest who was standing nearby and said, ‘Excuse me, Father? I think you should know that in the scene we’re about to do Martin Sheen is going to curse at God.’ He smiled and said, ‘I know, it’s gonna be great.’
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
The Evolution of the Series and Its Cast Over Time
Though the original cast members were passionate about the show, departures and contract negotiations posed challenges. The main cast notably sought equal pay, negotiating as a group to maintain fairness on set.
It wasn’t every man for himself,
Sorkin recounted.
John Spencer, Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, and Richard Schiff wanted to negotiate as a group, and they all wanted to be paid the same. Brad said, ‘I don’t want to be doing a scene with Allison and know that I’m getting paid more than she is because I have a previous quote and she doesn’t.’
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Rob Lowe’s departure after season four was significant. As he explained, it was a choice between staying static or investing in his own future. His exit made way for Joshua Malina as Will Bailey, who later co-hosted the popular podcast The West Wing Weekly.
It was one of those moments that I think people have where you can stay static or you can invest in yourself, and both choices are legitimate choices,
Lowe said.
I sent [Aaron] an email, the contents of which basically were: ‘What about a less well-known, less good-looking actor who would work for less money?’
—Rob Lowe, Actor
Subsequent changes in creative leadership followed, with Sorkin and Schlamme choosing to step away, believing it was time for fresh vision to guide the series forward.
We knew that it was time to do whatever we were going to do next and give the show to fresh legs,
Sorkin revealed. Meanwhile, Janney described the announcement as devastating, likening the feeling to being abandoned by parents.
We all felt kicked in the stomach. We felt like we were being abandoned by our parents. We didn’t understand it, we didn’t want it to happen and there was nothing we could do about it.
—Allison Janney, Actress
The Strong Bonds Formed Among Cast Members
Life on set forged lasting relationships. Mary McCormack, who played Deputy National Security Advisor Kate Harper, returned to work just a week after giving birth and described the cast as family, sharing moments of activism and ongoing support throughout their lives.
I held a rosary that Martin gave me when I gave birth to her. And then I came back and it was such a family. And I still consider them my family. We’re still all in touch all the time. And we’re activists together and we help each other, we’re at funerals and weddings and baby showers.
—Mary McCormack, Actress
Joyful Set Rituals and the Iconic Walk-and-Talk Scenes
The show’s trademark “walk-and-talk” scenes were beloved by the cast for their unique rhythm and energy. Janel Moloney found them especially straightforward to perform, while Allison Janney relished the challenge, considering them exhilarating and integral to the show’s fast pace.
The easiest scenes to do, because you don’t have to act,
Moloney stated.
All you have to do is say [your lines] and not run into the cameraman and it’s just like you’re brilliant.
—Janel Moloney, Actress
Janney added,
You were in a relay race and if you had to come in on the third hallway pass and you f–ked up, it was like, ‘Oh my God!’ It was this really exhilarating game and the perfect way to keep a show about politics active, exciting and fast-paced.
—Allison Janney, Actress
Real Political Events Shape the Show’s Narrative Direction
The 2008 presidential race storyline featured character Matt Santos, portrayed by Jimmy Smits, inspired by Barack Obama’s early political ascent. Executive producer John Wells consulted political strategists who predicted the challenges of a minority candidate’s campaign.
We spoke to political consultants about what a minority campaign would look like,
Wells recounted.
They said, ‘Well there’s this young senator out of Illinois that people are talking about a little bit,’ which turned out to be Barack Obama. They basically laid out for us what they thought the campaign strategy would have to be for him to ever run for president, although they kept telling us the whole time, ‘It’ll never happen, of course.’
—John Wells, Executive Producer
The character of Arnold Vinick, Santos’s Republican rival played by Alan Alda, was based on John McCain and other centrist Republicans. The show’s election outcome was altered following John Spencer’s death, with Santos winning contrary to earlier scripts.
Up until his death, the Republican was going to win the election,
Sheen revealed.
Jimmy Smits would be defeated and that wonderful actor Alan Alda would win. But with John’s death they said no and, against history, the Democrats would continue.
—Martin Sheen, Actor
The End of an Era and Reflections on What Could Have Been
An eighth season focusing on the Santos administration was considered but ultimately shelved after Spencer’s passing, closing the chapter on The West Wing in its original form. The final tribute came in the poignant season seven episode “Requiem,” featuring a funeral for Spencer’s character Leo McGarry.
The episode where we actually had to carry his casket because his character had died,
Dulé Hill recalled.
It was an empty casket, but it wasn’t an empty casket.
—Dulé Hill, Actor
Aaron Sorkin made a cameo at the series finale during Santos’s inauguration, but since his departure, he has largely refrained from revisiting the show’s later seasons. Reflecting on this choice, he shared advice he received from Larry David about letting go of the past.
Larry David had left Seinfeld a few seasons before the show ended and he called me and said, ‘You can never watch The West Wing again. Either the show is going to be great without you and you’re going to be miserable, or the show is going to be less than great without you and you’re going to be miserable,’
Sorkin recounted.
I thought, ‘Well, this is Larry David; he’s kind of professionally miserable.’ So I had them send a tape of the first episode that I didn’t do. I put it in the VCR and I don’t think I got 15 seconds in before I leaped up and slammed it off! It felt like I was watching somebody make out with my girlfriend.
—Aaron Sorkin, Creator
Looking Forward: The Lasting Legacy of The West Wing and Martin Sheen’s Role
Martin Sheen’s upcoming live podcast appearance with Nicolle Wallace offers fans a fresh opportunity to revisit the themes and impact of The West Wing. The event will not only celebrate the show’s enduring legacy but also reflect on the intersection of politics, media, and culture that has remained relevant for more than two decades.
Sheen’s long-standing involvement in political discourse, combined with his iconic television role, underscores the ongoing dialogue between fictional storytelling and real-world political engagement. Fans and observers alike will be eager to hear his insights during the live taping, deepening the appreciation for a series that reshaped political drama and inspired generations.
