New improved Mr Sheen: Interrogation

You married Denise Richards last year, aged 36. Is that a good age to get hitched?

Charlie Sheen: Yes. Married life is just wonderful. I couldn't imagine life without my wife. I love coming home to someone who can't wait to see me. She takes an interest in everything I do and makes me feel special.

How has your life changed?

CS: Everything has changed since Denise came into my life. I've got a true partner - someone who watches my back and who teaches me a lot about myself and my shortcomings, as well as my attributes.

Are you the romantic type?

CS: Love and romance are important to me. With this new love in my life, I think it will be like that forever. I wanted to fall in love like in Romeo And Juliet, or like my parents, who have been clicking together for more than a quarter of a century. Now it's finally happened to me and nothing about my life has been the same.

When did you meet Denise?

CS: We first shared screen-time in 1993's Loaded Weapon, a parody movie that starred my older brother, Emilio Estevez. I met her again in 2000 while filming the romantic comedy Good Advice. And then we met again when she played my love interest in Spin City. The rest is history...

Tell us about the Denise you know.

CS: She played a Bond girl in The World Is Not Enough, starred in Wild Things and Starship Troopers, and she used to be a model. But the real Denise loves to decorate our home - she's into nesting.

Are you a doting husband?

CS: I'm a romantic. I remember birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. My perfect evening is to take my wife out to dinner. I also believe in little gifts, like poems that come from the heart. I like doing little things like sending flowers and opening doors, things that show I care.

What are your plans once you've finished filming Scary Movie 3?

CS: I plan to whisk Denise off to a white sandy beach for some rest and relaxation, maybe back to Hawaii, the place where I proposed to her. Letting the sand, sun and water envelop you while lying next to the woman you love is the most ideal outing I can imagine. Life doesn't get much better.

How are your family?

CS: My parents are thrilled with my new domestic personal life. My parents set a good example for romance in marriage, and it definitely shows that they are still very much in love. I always wanted to meet someone like my mother and now I've got Denise.

What other projects do you have on the go?

CS: A sitcom called Two And A Half Men. My co-star is Jon Cryer who starred in Pretty In Pink. My character, a bachelor, is forced to change his ways when his brother (Cryer) and 10-year-old nephew move in with him. Gwyneth Paltrow's mother, Blythe Danner, plays my mum. The plot is as old as the hills, but it's funny.

You seem pretty content with life.

CS: I'm a lot happier today. And when you're happy with yourself, comedy comes a lot easier. And life is sweet, now that I feel good about myself from the inside out. I'm completely embracing all of the wonderful opportunities I've been given, with Denise, my family, friends and career. I'm thrilled to be back in the game and I'm going along with the ride. Life is very good.

Do you still see any of your Spin City co-stars?

CS: Yeah, I remain close friends with Heather Locklear. I started out being a fan of hers and then our on-screen relationship grew. I used to refer to her as a beloved big sister. A really hot big sister.

Have you ever been to a psychic?

CS: Yeah, when I was 16. The first thing he told me was that he saw me on billboards. I asked, 'What do you mean?' He said, 'Selling cigarettes on big advertising billboards.' I didn't know what that meant, then 10 years later I got a deal in Japan promoting cigarettes on billboards. Who knows how to interpret that?

For a while, you were obsessed with alcohol, drugs, and hookers, but you've been clean and sober since 1998. Is it true your dad, Martin Sheen, had you sent to rehab?

CS: My dad had me arrested and sent to rehab, and it was the last time I ever had to go somewhere like that. I credit my father - and my entire family - for leading me back to a sane, drug-free life. I made the decision to become more spiritual and I took the time to recover. When you're as low as you can go, you can soar or fail. I chose to get better.

And you're willing to talk about your past problems?

CS: It's therapeutic. I believe we are the sum total of all our experiences, so I can't deny or ignore my bad experiences - they are just as much a part of me as the good ones, and without them I wouldn't be where I am today. I wouldn't be anywhere near this place of serenity. I think it's important I don't shy away from that. If somebody reads this and they can benefit from my lessons, that would be priceless.

Describe a perfect Sunday.

CS: I enjoy having my family over to our house to watch sports on TV. Then I might cook for them out in my garden. I love barbecue sauce - one day I might release my own brand of it. We don't spend hours mulling over work during family time.

Are you a fan of your dad's show, The West Wing?

CS: Sure. It's a great show and I am extremely proud of my dad. It's exciting for me to watch because I'm really happy for him. It's truly a renaissance. It's thrilling that somebody of his talent finally gets to explore it and display it on a weekly basis for the world to see. But while the world sees my father as an acting legend and as an institution, he's also just my dad. I often go out and shoot hoops with him.

Do you believe in an 'acting gene'?

CS: Not really. But I do think actors like my dad have an instinct for their craft.

Does your dad give you advice?

CS: My dad gave me one piece of acting advice - don't get caught acting. That's the best advice he ever gave me. I would like to work with Emilio and Dad again - they are really talented and fun people to work with. My dad actually warned me not to get into acting. He said, 'Don't go into show business.' But I decided to ignore him.

CHARLIE'S REALITY CHECK

Is Mr Sheen a decent gent or a right charlie?

How much is a six-pack of soft drink?

About pounds 2. (Correct)

Do you ever say, 'Do you know who I am?'

No, but that reminds me of a TV commercial I did with my dad.

Do you ever do your own housework?

Sure, if it needs to be done, why not?

If you had an hour all to yourself, how would you spend it?

Playing baseball.

Do you ever wear your sunglasses inside?

Er, sometimes.

Copyright 2003 MGN LTD
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