Martin Sheen is a household name, but the actor opened up about why he decided to go by a stage name instead of his birth name over the years. We had some very, very painful confrontations about it.”Why Martin Sheen Uses a Stage NameSheen explained the decision behind adopting a stage name after moving to New York City following high school graduation. He had this popular television show in the ‘50s at primetime called A Life is Worth Living and he was an astonishing character.”Did Martin Sheen Legally Change His Name? (Martin shares kids Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez, Charlie Sheen and actress Renée Estevez with wife Janet.) I thought he was there to visit me, but he’d gotten a part in the same show,” Martin told Closer.