President Bartlet reached the picket line.
Martin Sheen He is reunited with his many West Wing The stars on the picket line Tuesday for the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes on National Solidarity Day. The actor gave a stirring speech that evoked and evoked his most famous character, emphasizing the importance of unity and perseverance.
Shane started by explaining that he has been a member of SAG and AFTRA since 1961. “That was the same year I got married,” the actor said. “Obviously, I like unions.”
David Livingston/Getty Richard Schiff, Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Dolly Hill, and Allison Janney of ‘The West Wing’ at SAG-AFTRA Strike
Shin went on to pay tribute to West Wing and joking about the cultural significance of his character. “I spent the time from 1999 until the fall of 2006 as a member of an unusual company called West Wing“And I was known affectionately in some quarters, at least, as the acting President of the United States,” said the actor. And when the show ended in 2006, I became known, in some quarters, as fondly as the former president. Acting President of the United States, and I’m proud to have been a part of that extraordinary company, most of whom are here today.”
The actor introduced his colleagues who stood by him during the speech, including the Oscar winner Allison Janney, Dolly Hillmelissa Fitzgerald, Bradley Whitford, Richard SchiffJanelle Moloney, Joshua MalinaAnd Mary McCormack. exclaimed the creator of the series Aaron SorkinWho was present at the event, and costar Rob Lowewhich did not appear to be.
Michael Buckner/Deadline via Getty Richard Schiff, Aaron Sorkin, Bradley Whitford, Dolly Hill and Other Cast Members of ‘The West Wing’ on SAG-AFTRA Strike
Shin continued with a short example. The actor said: “The Irish tell the story of a man who reaches the gates of heaven and asks to be allowed in, and Saint Peter says: “Of course! Just show us your scars.” “The man says, ‘I don’t have any scars.'” St. Peter says: “What a pity. Was there nothing worth fighting for?”
“It’s clear that this union has found something worth fighting for, and it’s very expensive,” Shin explained. “If it wasn’t, we would have to question its value. And so now we’re called upon to support the union, support the leadership, stand together for the long haul, and stick to it like a seal!” Studios always see what is and wonder why. Let’s keep dreaming of things that never happened and say “why not?” There’s a lot going on in our country, and it’s very seriously divided, and many times we come to gatherings like this and we feel inspired because we see unity and effective unity.”
Michael Buckner/Deadline via Getty Cast and crew of ‘The West Wing’ on SAG-AFTRA strike
Shin concluded his remarks with a prayer from poet Rabindranath Tagore. “We are called upon to help elevate this nation to that place where the heart is without fear and the head is held high,” Shin said. “Where knowledge is free, and where the world is not divided into fragments by narrow domestic walls. Where words emerge from the depths of truth, and where the relentless pursuit stretches out its arms towards perfection. Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its energy” The way to the bleak desert sands of dead habit. Where the mind leads you forward, and to the ever expanding thought and action to the paradise of freedom, dear father. Let our country wake up.”
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