Sheen's Humanitarian Work Shines

Martin Sheen awarded top humanitarian prize at Notre Dame's commencement

Here's one Irish who's traded his fightin' spirit for a do-good one—and been rewarded handsomely as a result.

Martin Sheen was awarded the prestigious Laetare Medal from the University of Notre Dame Sunday in honor of the actor's continuing humanitarian work, which includes nonviolent peace activism, work for poverty and homeless charities, environmental activism and working toward obtaining rights for migrant workers.

"While acting is what I do for a living, activism is what I do to stay alive," Sheen said upon receiving his award at the school's commencement.

The 67-year-old was given the top honor as a Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity."

Apparently they turned a blind eye to that whole siring Charlie thing.