Charlie Sheen is making a significant comeback in the spotlight, albeit in a different light. The former Hollywood heartthrob, known for his roles in iconic series and films, is set to premiere a new two-part documentary series titled “aka Charlie Sheen” on Netflix on September 10. Directed by Andrew Renzi, who previously directed “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet,” this documentary explores Sheen’s meteoric rise to fame during the 1980s and 90s, as well as his very public struggles with addiction that culminated in a dramatic fallout in 2011.
In “aka Charlie Sheen,” viewers will witness the highs and lows of Sheen’s career, including his notorious “tiger blood” and “winning” phases that led to his firing from the hit show “Two and a Half Men.” At the documentary's premiere held at the Tudum Theater in Hollywood, Sheen candidly reflected on his past, stating, “It’s kind of hard to watch, but I think it’s important to watch.” He emphasized the need for others to learn from his experiences, aiming to “chart a path” that avoids repeating such destructive decisions.
One of the most astonishing revelations in the documentary involves Sheen’s former drug dealer, Marco. In a surprising twist, Marco played a crucial role in helping Sheen achieve sobriety. Renzi shared, “What we don’t know is he was really close friends with his drug dealer and his drug dealer is one of the reasons he got sober.” In a dramatic intervention, Sheen’s father, Martin Sheen, and his therapist reached out to Marco for assistance, leading to a unique method of recovery that involved gradually reducing Sheen’s drug intake.
Sheen described this unconventional approach as “kind of the moon landing of a solution inside of that insanity,” highlighting the importance of including Marco in the documentary. “Renzi and I were talking about it and we were like, ‘What documentary about drugs and insane behavior has ever included the person’s actual dealer?’” Sheen recalled the moment he contacted Marco, who agreed to participate after meeting with Renzi.
While the documentary features interviews with some of Sheen’s family members, including two of his five children and brother Roman Estévez, notable absences include his father and brother, Emilio Estévez. Sheen explained that the family was supportive but chose to step back, allowing him to share his own story. “Dad was so pleased with all of the archival of him that he said, ‘What you have of me is representative enough,’” Sheen noted.
Reflecting on his current family relationships, Sheen expressed joy, stating, “It’s great. I just saw them for my birthday and we’re really really tight.” This sentiment underscores the positive changes in his life following his recovery.
As the premiere of “aka Charlie Sheen” approaches, it coincides with the release of his memoir, “The Book of Sheen.” In this memoir, Sheen candidly discusses his past struggles, admitting there were times when he thought he’d be better off dead. However, the thought of his children and the legacy he would leave behind motivated him to fight for his life. “You’re kind of thinking about what that day is gonna be like for them,” he reflected, highlighting the profound impact of his choices.
In a nostalgic twist, Sheen expressed a desire for an on-screen reunion with his “Two and a Half Men” co-star Jon Cryer. Although the two have not spoken in some time, Sheen remarked, “It would be wild and I would want to do it. I think it would be a gift to the fans.” He hopes that such a reunion could provide closure to his fans and to himself.
As Sheen embarks on this new chapter, both the documentary and his memoir promise to offer an intimate look into his life, showcasing not only the struggles but also the resilience that has led him to sobriety and a renewed connection with his family.
