Martin Sheen led the way as the cast of The West Wing reunited at the picket line outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
The 83-year-old actor, who played President Josiah Bartlet in Aaron Sorkin’s Fictional White House Account, was joined by his peers on the hit political drama, including Sorkin.
In his speech, he introduced co-stars Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, Joshua Malina and Mary McCormack.
The series ran for seven seasons with 155 episodes on NBC and won 26 Emmys during that time.
Referring to his time on the show, Sheen said, “I spent the period from 1999 through the fall of 2006 as a member of an extraordinary force called The West Wing and was at least affectionately referred to in some quarters as the Acting President of the.” United States.
The Latest: Martin Sheen, 83, led the way as the cast of The West Wing reunited at the picket line outside Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California amid the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes
Joshua Malina, Bradley Whitford, Richard Schiff, Aaron Sorkin and Dulé Hill were among the cast and crew present at the demonstration
“When the show ended in 2006, I was just as fond of being known in some circles as the former incumbent President of the United States, and I’m proud to have been a part of this extraordinary company, most of which are here today.”
According to EW, Sheen spoke to the crowd about having been a union member since 1961.
“That was the same year I got married,” Sheen said. “Obviously I have a penchant for unions.”
In his speech, Sheen said: “The Irish tell the story of a man who arrives at the gates of heaven begging to be let in, and Saint Peter says, ‘Of course! Just show us your scars.”
“The man says, ‘I have no scars.’ Saint Peter says, ‘What a pity. Wasn’t there anything worth fighting for?”
The adored actor said: “This union has found something worth fighting for and it’s very costly.”
“If it weren’t for that, we would have to question its value.” And so now we are called to support the union, support the leadership and stand together for the long haul and hold on like a stamp!”
Sheen said that in the midst of a “dangerously divided” country, workers “can come to gatherings like this and we’re inspired because we see the effective union spirit and unity.”
“The West Wing” ran for seven seasons in 155 episodes on NBC and won 26 Emmys during that time
In his speech, Sheen introduced co-stars Allison Janney, Bradley Whitford, Dulé Hill, Richard Schiff, Janel Moloney, Joshua Malina and Mary McCormack
The group behind the long-running NBC political drama posted alongside signs
Tuesday’s demonstration marked National Solidarity Day, which saw workers from across a wide range of industries rally along a picket line
Sheen said of the show’s cast and crew, “I’m proud to have been part of this extraordinary crew, most of whom are here today.”
Sheen spoke to the crowd about the fact that he has been a union member since 1961
Sheen posed at the demonstration with co-star Schiff and a SAG-AFTRA t-shirt
Sheen shared a laugh with Hill and Schiff as the cast reunited at the event
Sheen played President Josiah Bartlet in Aaron Sorkin’s account of a fictional White House
Sheen was nominated for six Emmy Awards for his performance on the series
Tuesday’s demonstration marked National Day of Solidarity, when SAG-AFTRA and WGA will join forces “with the AFL-CIO and its affiliates from across the country and all industries,” according to SAG-AFTRA.
“In this “summer of strikes,” said SAG-AFTRA, “working Americans everywhere are fighting for fair contracts, better pay, safer working conditions, and protection from invading technology.”
It added, “Together, we’re showing American business that when we fight, we win!”