Charlie Sheen Opens Up About His Wildest Moments and Biggest Regrets in Exclusive Interview
In an exclusive interview with ET’s Kevin Frazier, Charlie Sheen reflects candidly on his tumultuous life, sharing insights from his upcoming memoir, The Book of Sheen, set to release on September 9, and the documentary aka Charlie Sheen, streaming on Netflix starting September 10. The actor delves into his wildest experiences, personal regrets, and hopes that his new projects will help him embrace his chaotic past with humor and courage.
Sheen reminisces about growing up with a talented group of friends who would make small films together, many of whom went on to become world-famous actors. He recalls the early days when it was clear some were destined for bigger stages, mentioning Chris, Shawn, and Emilio as examples of those who showed promise early on. Sheen describes himself as the “last guy” to join that party but acknowledges the excitement and pressure that came with seeing his peers succeed.
One memorable story Sheen shares involves Jennifer Grey going out on a limb for him during the filming of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. He humorously admits to “going method” by not showing up for an audition due to fatigue, a move that reportedly did not sit well with Grey. This anecdote exemplifies the mix of wildness and charm that has characterized much of Sheen’s career.
Discussing his friendship with Nicolas Cage, Sheen describes their relationship as “mature chaos,” a far cry from the “immature chaos” of their younger days. Despite growing older and wiser, the energy between them remains strong, minus the destructive tendencies of the past.
Sheen also opens up about his struggles with addiction and rehab. He recounts a particularly wild night before entering rehab, where he and his friends judged a Hawaiian Tropics bikini contest in Palm Springs. He shares a humorous yet poignant story about making a bet with a nurse to return to rehab on time, underscoring the chaotic yet determined nature of his journey to sobriety.
One of the more surprising revelations involves Sheen flying a passenger plane while intoxicated. What began as a friendly photo opportunity in the cockpit quickly escalated into him “flying the plane” for about 90 seconds, an incident he describes with a mix of disbelief and humor in his book.
When asked about his biggest regret, Sheen doesn’t hesitate: tattoos top the list. He candidly discusses how tattoos once served as camouflage for needle marks during his drug use, a secret he eventually had to abandon as the marks became harder to hide.
Sheen also shares a creative solution he used to stay awake during a film shoot after a night of partying—placing an ice cube in an unexpected place to shock himself into alertness. This story highlights his resourcefulness amid chaos.
Reflecting on his time on Two and a Half Men, Sheen expresses a desire to bring closure to the show, not for himself but for the fans. He acknowledges the promotional whirlwind surrounding his memoir and documentary and hopes for a proper “bookend” to that chapter of his career.
Currently, Sheen says he feels good, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and proper nutrition. He describes his current phase as a “reset,” embracing his past with humor and courage, and appreciates the honesty portrayed in the documentary.
Finally, Sheen addresses recent false allegations involving Corey Haim, calling them “a complete work of fiction” and condemning those who spread such lies as a “hideous insult” to Haim’s memory.
Charlie Sheen’s candid reflections offer a raw and unfiltered look at a life marked by highs and lows, wild escapades, and hard-earned wisdom. Through his memoir and documentary, he hopes to share his story authentically, inspiring others to confront their own challenges with honesty and resilience.
