A Conversation With Martin Sheen And Melissa Fitzgerald

The West Wing Was My Inspiration: 25 Years On, I Got to Meet President Bartlet

A Conversation with Martin Sheen and Melissa Fitzgerald

By Scott Detrow

When NPR was offered the chance to interview Martin Sheen and Melissa Fitzgerald about The West Wing, I dashed through the newsroom with an energy that had been missing since I first watched the show as a wide-eyed college student.

For Those Who Don't Know

The West Wing is a political drama television series created by Aaron Sorkin that aired on NBC from 1999 to 2006. It follows the fictional administration of Democratic President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (Sheen) and his staff as they navigate the challenges of running the country.

The show was a critical success, winning 26 Primetime Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. It was also praised for its realistic portrayal of the inner workings of the White House and its exploration of complex political issues.

My Inspiration

I was a first-year college student when The West Wing premiered in 1999. It was the first time I had ever seen a television show that took politics seriously and showed the people behind the scenes.

The show inspired me to pursue a career in journalism. I wanted to be a part of the process of informing the public and holding those in power accountable.

Meeting President Bartlet

Twenty-five years after The West Wing premiered, I finally got to meet the man who played my TV president, Martin Sheen.

Sheen is even more impressive in person than he is on screen. He is a thoughtful, articulate man with a deep commitment to social justice.

We talked about The West Wing, politics, and the importance of civic engagement. It was an inspiring conversation, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have met Martin Sheen.

What I Learned

From my conversation with Martin Sheen, I learned that:

• It is important to have a positive vision for the future, even when things are tough.
• We should never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.
• It is important to be civically engaged and to make our voices heard.

I am grateful for the inspiration that The West Wing has given me over the years. It is a show that has made me a more informed and engaged citizen.