Charlie Sheen, or Carlos Estevez, is the youngest son of veteran actor Martin Sheen (Ramon Estevez), and like his other three siblings followed his dad into the family business, eventually becoming the star of hit shows such as Two and a Half Men and Anger Management. Sheen Sr., 81, has enjoyed an illustrious career that has spanned several decades, and appeared in big blockbuster movies such as Apocalypse Now and Catch Me If You Can, and major network shows like The West Wing, with a host of awards for his work. Martin, who is well-known for being one of the friendliest and kindest guys in Hollywood, was always supportive of his son Charlie as he nagivated the difficult world of screen acting, and the two have maintained a strong but nonetheless complex relationship.

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Throughout Charlie's life, his father has been there to support the fifty-six-year old throughout his professional acting endeavors, offering sage advice and even having directed Charlie in the movie Cadence, alongside another of his son's, Ramon. But what about the pair's personal relationship? How have Charlie and his dad managed through his series of personal struggles, and come out stronger than ever?

6 Martin Gave Charlie Space While He Was Going Through Difficult Times

When discussing his son's difficult battles with substance abuse, Martin has always been careful with his words, and resigned himself to the fact that fatherly guidance is not always needed. “Every now and then [it is],” Sheen said. “Depends on whether it’s a moment of clarity for him. I can’t determine that for him. You know [...] He’s not a kid. Emotionally he still is. Because when you’re addicted, you don’t grow emotionally. So when you get clean and sober you’re starting at the moment you started using drugs or alcohol. You’re emotionally crippled.”

It was also Martin's belief that Charlie was lost during his years of addiction, and was looking for meaning in life - like all addicts. "Anyone who is using is looking for a transcendent experience", he said. "How often do people [under the influence of drugs] say 'I saw God'? It's an effort at transcendence."

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5 But He Also Worked Alongside Charlie During His Recovery

When Martin was ready to step in and help his son, he decided to join Charlie in his journey toward recovery. Speaking to The Guardian newspaper, Martin described how the family have "had some counselling. I'm in Al-Anon [...] it's for people with relatives or friends who are alcoholics or drug addicts. You have to stay focused." Martin knows what he's talking about when it comes to tackling addiction, having struggled with alcohol abuse in his past and suffering a heart attack at just 36. Their relationship has been strengthened by Martin's dedication to helping his son face his demons.

4 Charlie's Dad Has Been Sympathetic To His Mental Health Struggles

Dad Martin has always been understanding of his son's battle with mental illness, and spoke openly during an interview with the London Telegraph; “I know what hell he’s living in. I’ve had psychotic episodes in public. One of them was on camera — the opening scene of Apocalypse Now. So I know what Charlie is going through. And when you do something like that, that is out of control, that’s the most difficult thing. You have to have courage.”

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3 Father And Son Have Great Admiration For Each Other

While Charlie has always been complimentary to the films his dad has worked on, giving Apocalypse Now particular respect, dad Martin has always been more admiring of his son's remarkable ability to bounce back from difficult episodes in his life, and to continue working and going after his dreams and passions. The two have a professional respect for each other's craft, and enjoy working on projects together - with Martin having played as on-screen father to Charlie in Wall Street and two episodes of Anger Management.

2 Martin Was Proud Of His Son For Opening Up About His HIV Diagnosis

The veteran actor has also expressed his pride in son Charlie for publicly announcing his HIV diagnosis back in 2015. Speaking to Us Magazine, Martin said “I think all of us are striving to lead honest lives. That’s a requirement of every human being. It’s most difficult when you are known. The bigger your celebrity, the more difficult it is to lead an honest life because your past is always present … I think today makes it that much harder for people because there’s so little privacy. I think that the idea of [anonymity] is very important to the program, and it has an energy all its own.” Martin clearly supports his son and admires his openness about the issues he faces.

1 Charlie Regularly Takes His Dad Along To Fundraising Events

Charlie has been fundraising for AIDS charities for many years, and in 2009 was honoured with an AFA Angel Award for his sustained support of the charity Aid for AIDS. For the annual fundraiser 'Best in Drag Show' held in Los Angeles, which raises awareness of the disease, Charlie regularly brings along his Dad for the evening. Both have a very charitable spirit, with Charlie especially donating his time and money generously to worthy causes. Attending such events gives the pair a chance to bond and spend time together helping others.

Next: An Inside Look At Charlie Sheen's Childhood