Chain of Command of the British Army

Unit Soldiers Commander Fireteam 4 NCO Squad/Section 8–13 Squad leader Platoon 26–55 Platoon leader Company 80–225 Captain/Major Battalion 300–1,300 (Lieutenant) Colonel Regiment/Brigade 3,000–5,000 (Lieutenant) Colonel/ Brigadier (General) Division 10,000–15,000 Major General Corps 20,000–45,000 Lieutenant General Field army 80,000–200,000 General Army group 400,000–1,000,000 Field Marshal Army Region 1,000,000–3,000,000 Field Marshal Army theater 3,000,000–10,000,000 Field Marshal

Standard NATO military map symbol for a friendly infantry platoon.

A platoon is a military unit typically composed of two - four sections or squads and containing 26 to 50 soldiers. Platoons are organized into a company, which typically consists of three, four or five platoons. A platoon is typically the smallest military unit led by a commissioned officer—the platoon leader or platoon commander, usually a lieutenant. He is usually assisted by a senior non-commissioned officer—the platoon sergeant.

In some armies, platoon is used throughout the branches of the army. In others, such as the British Army, most platoons are infantry platoons, while some carry other designations such as tank, mortar, or heavy weapons platoons. In a few armies, such as the French Army, a platoon is specifically a cavalry unit, and the infantry use "section" as the equivalent unit.

Etymology[link]

The word is derived from the 17th-century French peloton, meaning a small detachment of soldiers. The word came from pelote meaning a small ball. The suffix "-on" is in principle an augmentative suffix in French, so peloton is an augmentative of "small ball". Thus peloton may have originally meant "volley" (of musket balls).The modern French word peloton, when not meaning platoon, means a little ball (used for various games), so peloton may have originally indicated a single musket ball.

In either case, the name corresponds to the original purpose of a platoon which was to be the basic unit for volley firing.

Pelote itself originally comes from the Latin "pillula", meaning "little ball", and the French suffix "-on" derives from the Latin suffix "-onus".

Australian organization[link]

In the Australian Army, a platoon has twenty-four soldiers organized into three eight-man sections plus a lieutenant as platoon commander and a sergeant as platoon second in command, accompanied by a platoon radioman and medic (full strength of twenty-eight men).

A section comprises eight men led by a corporal with a lance corporal as second in command, similar to the British Army platoon. Each section has two fireteams of four men, one led by the corporal and the other by the lance corporal. Each fireteam (also called a "brick" by Australian soldiers) has one soldier with a F89A1 light machine gun and the other three armed with F88 assault rifles. One rifle is equipped with an attached M203 grenade launcher for the grenadier's role while another has a C79 optical sight for the designated marksman role.

The platoon may also have three MAG 58 general-purpose machine guns, one M2 Browning heavy machine gun or a Mk 19 grenade launcher at its disposal.

British organization[link]

In the British Army, a rifle platoon from an infantry company consists of three sections of eight men, plus a signaller (radio operator), a platoon sergeant, the platoon commander (either a second lieutenant or lieutenant) and a mortar man operating a light mortar (full strength of 27 men and one officer).

Each section is commanded by a corporal, with a lance corporal as second-in-command and six privates divided into two four-man fireteams. Other types of platoons (such as mortar or anti-tank platoons) are generally smaller and are commanded by a lieutenant or captain.

An armoured platoon consists of four tanks, fifteen men and one officer.

Bangladeshi organization[link]

In Bangladesh Army infantry regiments, platoons are commanded by a major or a captain, assisted by two to four lieutenants (or combination of lieutenants and Junior Commissioned Officers) and at least two sergeants..^{[citation needed]} The platoon strength is typically thirty to fifty soldiers.

These platoons are equipped with at least one heavy machine gun, rocket launcher or anti-tank gun, with the crews of these weapons commanded by a corporal. In addition, there are at least two light machine guns, each commanded by a lance corporal. Each soldier is armed with an automatic or semi-automatic rifle and all commissioned officers carry a side arm.

Canadian organization[link]

In the Canadian Army, the infantry Platoon Commander is a Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant, assisted by a Platoon Warrant (who may hold the rank of Warrant Officer, but is often a Sergeant). It is usually divided into three eight man sections and a heavy weapons detachment which will deploy a GPMG, Carl Gustav, and/or 60 mm mortar depending on mission requirements. Sections are commanded by a Sergeant or Master Corporal with a Master-Corporal or Corporal in the second in command, or 2IC, position; 6 of the eight soldiers in a section will carry C7 or C8 assault rifles fitted with either optics or a grenade launcher and two members will carry C9 LMG's. A section is broken into two fireteams (or assault teams) of 4 with one LMG and three assault rifles, similar to British and Australian organization.

Three to five infantry platoons will make up a typical infantry company, sometimes with a heavy weapons or support platoon in addition. Specialist platoons like reconnaissance, or "recce", platoons that may be attached to a battalion may be led by a Captain and assisted by a Warrant Officer. Some very large specialist platoons will actually have a Lieutenant as the second-in-command. In many corps, platoon-sized units are called troops instead.

Colombian organization[link]

Within the Colombian Army a training platoon (in Spanish pelotón) is often commanded by a higher-ranking soldier known as a dragoneante, who is selected for his excellence in discipline and soldiering skills. However, a dragoneante is still a soldier and can be removed from his position if his commander sees fit. For combatant platoons (platoons engaged in combat with guerrilla rebels), a corporal or sergeant would be the most likely commander.

French organization[link]

In the French military, a peloton is a unit of cavalry or armor corresponding to the platoon, equivalent in size to an infantry section, and commanded by a lieutenant or sergeant. It may also mean a body of officers in training to become noncommissioned officers, sous-officiers or officers (peloton de caporal, peloton des sous-officiers). Finally, "peloton d'exécution" is the French term for a firing squad.

German organization[link]

Platoon ("Zug" in German) of the German Bundeswehr

The German Army equivalent of the platoon is the Zug, consisting of a platoon headquarters (HQ) squad (Zugtrupp, which exactly is no Squad) of four to six men, and three squads (Gruppen) of eight to eleven men each. Three Züge make up a company (Kompanie), with the first platoon usually commanded by a company-grade officer (Kompanieoffizier), usually a first (Oberleutnant) or second lieutenant (Leutnant), who is also the company's second-in-command. The second and third Zug are led by experienced NCOs, usually master sergeants (Hauptfeldwebel). In the first platoon a master sergeant is assistant to the platoon leader, with this role filled by a sergeant (Feldwebel) in the second and third platoons. Each squad is led by a corporal (Unteroffizier) and its size corresponds to the typical passenger capacity of its squad vehicle (either wheeled or armoured). The task of the platoon HQ squad is to provide support for the platoon leader and as a reserve force (such as two additional snipers or an anti-tank weapon crew.)

Fallschirmjäger (airborne infantry) platoons (Fallschirmjägerzug) have special operations responsibilities, and have command positions one rank higher compared to their corresponding position in a standard infantry platoon. A captain (Hauptmann) is the platoon leader, assisted by a first lieutenant and each squad has a second lieutenant or a master sergeant in charge, often supported by a long-service sergeant or skilled senior corporal.

New Zealand organization[link]

In the New Zealand Army, an Infantry Platoon is commanded by a 2nd Lieutenant or a Lieutenant with a Platoon Sergeant, a Platoon Signaller and a medic (where relevant) comprising the Platoon Headquarters. The Platoon is sub-divided into three section of between 7-10 soldiers, each commanded by a Corporal with a Lance-Corporal as the Section 2iC. Each section can be sub-divided into two fire-teams, commanded by the Section Commander and 2iC respectively, as well as normal two man Scout, Rifle and Gun Teams.

There are three Platoons in a Rifle Company, which is commanded by a Major, and Three Rifle Companies within an Infantry Battalion, which is commanded by a Lieutenant-Colonel. An Infantry Battalion will also contain an organic Support Company (Mortars, Machine-Guns etc.) and a Logistics Company (Transport and Stores).

Singapore organization[link]

In the Singapore Army, a platoon is a Lieutenant billet. In practice, usually a Second Lieutenant is appointed the platoon commander, and will eventually be promoted to this rank. A typical infantry platoon consists of three seven-man sections of riflemen and a machine gun team, both commanded by Third Sergeants, a platoon sergeant and a platoon medic for a total of 27 soldiers.^{[citation needed]} Beginning in 1992, the Singapore Armed Forces has allowed warrant officers to be appointed as platoon commanders.

Thai organization[link]

In the Royal Thai Army, a platoon is commanded by a Lieutenant or Second Lieutenant assisted by a Platoon Sergeant, usually of the rank of sergeant major. In infantry units, rifle platoons are generally made up of five squads (three rifle squads, one machine gun squad and command squad).

United States organization[link]

In the United States Army,^[1] Rifle Platoons are normally composed of 42 soldiers. They are led by a Platoon Leader (PL), usually a second lieutenant (2LT), and with a Platoon Sergeant (PSG), usually a Sergeant First Class (SFC, E-7). Rifle Platoons consist of three nine-man Rifle squads and one nine-man Weapons squad each led by a Staff Sergeant (E-6). The Platoon Headquarters includes the PL, PSG, along with the PL's Radio-Telephone Operator (RTO), Platoon Forward Observer (FO), the FO's RTO and the Platoon Medic.

In the United States Marine Corps, rifle platoons are led by a platoon commander, usually a Second Lieutenant(O-1). The billet of Platoon Sergeant is a position intended for a Staff Sergeant(E-6). Rifle platoons usually consist of three rifle squads of 13 men each, usually led by a Sergeant(E-5). Each squad is further divided into three fireteams of four Marines. A Weapons platoon will usually have a First Lieutenant(O-2) and a Gunnery Sergeant(E-7) because of the larger number of Marines and the more complex employment of the weapon systems included in these platoons. A weapons platoon has a 60mm mortar section of ten Marines and three M224 60mm mortars, an assault section of 13 Marines and six SMAWs, and a medium machine gun section of 22 Marines and six M240Gs. Marine rifle or weapons platoons would also have one or two Navy Corpsmen assigned along with the Marines.

The United States Air Force Security Forces have a similarly sized and configured unit called a flight. It is made up of three 13-member squads, a flight commander (a second lieutenant, first lieutenant or captain), a flight sergeant (usually a non-commissioned officer of technical sergeant or master sergeant rank), and three other NCOs (usually staff sergeants) for a total of 44 members. The three extra NCOs are an acting Supply NCO, an acting Communications NCO, and an acting Intelligence NCO.

See also[link]

• Military Organization
• Platoon (film)

References[link]

1. ^ US Army Table of Organization

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: platoon

Charlie Sheen
Sheen on March 11, 2009
Born	Carlos Irwin Estevez (1965-09-03) September 3, 1965 (age 46)[1] New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Actor
Years active	1974–present
Spouse	Donna Peele (1995–1996) Denise Richards (2002–2006) Brooke Mueller (2008–2011)[2]
Children	5
Parents	Martin Sheen (father) Janet Templeton (mother)
Relatives	Emilio Estevez (brother) Ramon Estevez (brother) Renée Estevez (sister)
Website
www.charliesheen.com

Carlos Irwin Estevez (born September 3, 1965), better known by his stage name Charlie Sheen, is an American film and television actor. He is the youngest son of actor Martin Sheen.

His character roles in films have included Chris Taylor in the 1986 Vietnam War drama Platoon, Jake Kesey in the 1986 film The Wraith, and Bud Fox in the 1987 film Wall Street. His career has also included more comedic films such as Major League, the Hot Shots! films, and Scary Movie 3 and Scary Movie 4. On television, Sheen is known for his roles on two sitcoms: as Charlie Crawford on Spin City and as Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men. In 2010, Sheen was the highest paid actor on television, earning US$1.8 million per episode of Two and a Half Men.^[3]

Sheen's personal life has also made headlines, including reports about alcohol and drug abuse and marital problems as well as allegations of domestic violence. He was fired from his role on Two and a Half Men by CBS and Warner Bros. on March 7, 2011. Sheen subsequently announced a nationwide tour.^[4]

Early life[link]

Sheen was born Carlos Irwin Estevez in New York City, the youngest son and third of four children of actor Martin Sheen and artist Janet Templeton.^[5] His paternal grandparents were immigrants from Galicia (northwestern Spain) and Ireland.^[6] Sheen has two older brothers, Emilio Estevez and Ramon Estevez, and a younger sister, Renée Estevez, all actors. His parents moved to Malibu, California, after Martin's Broadway turn in The Subject Was Roses. Sheen's first movie appearance was at age nine in his father’s 1974 film The Execution of Private Slovik. Sheen attended Santa Monica High School in Santa Monica, California, where he was a star pitcher and shortstop for the baseball team.^[5][7]

At Santa Monica High School, he showed an early interest in acting, making amateur Super 8 films with his brother Emilio and school friends Rob Lowe and Sean Penn under his birth name. A few weeks before graduation, Sheen was expelled from school for poor grades and attendance. Deciding to become an actor, he took the stage name Charlie Sheen. His father had adopted it in honor of the Catholic archbishop and theologian Fulton J. Sheen.^[8][9]

Acting career[link]

Film[link]

Sheen's film career began in 1984 with a role in the Cold War teen drama Red Dawn with Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Lea Thompson, and Jennifer Grey. Sheen and Grey reunited in a small scene in Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986). He also appeared in an episode of the anthology series Amazing Stories. Sheen had his first major role in the Vietnam War drama Platoon (1986). In 1987, he starred with his father in Wall Street. Both Wall Street and Platoon were directed by Oliver Stone. In 1988, Stone asked Sheen to star in his new film Born on the Fourth of July (1989), but later cast Tom Cruise instead. Sheen was never notified by Stone, and only found out when he heard the news from his brother Emilio. Sheen did not take a lead role in Stone's subsequent films,^[10] although he did have a cameo role in Money Never Sleeps.

In 1987, Sheen was cast to portray Ron in the unreleased Grizzly II: The Predator, the sequel to the 1976 low budget horror movie Grizzly. In 1988, he starred in the baseball film Eight Men Out as outfielder Happy Felsch. Also in 1988, he appeared opposite his brother Emilio in Young Guns and again in 1990 in Men at Work. In 1989, Sheen, John Fusco, Christopher Cain, Lou Diamond Phillips, Emilio Estévez and Kiefer Sutherland were honored with a Bronze Wrangler for their work on the film Young Guns.^[11]

In 1990, he starred alongside his father in Cadence as a rebellious inmate in a military stockade and with Clint Eastwood in the buddy cop action film The Rookie.^[5] The films were directed by Martin Sheen and Eastwood, respectively. In 1992, he starred in Beyond the Law with Linda Fiorentino and Michael Madsen. In 1994, Sheen was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.^[11] In 1997, Sheen wrote his first movie, Discovery Mars, a direct-to-video documentary revolving around the question, "Is There Life on Mars?". The next year, Sheen wrote, produced and starred in the action movie No Code of Conduct.^[12]

Sheen appeared in several comedy roles, including the Major League films, Money Talks, and the spoof Hot Shots! films. In 1999, Sheen appeared in a pilot for A&E Network, called Sugar Hill, which was not picked up. In 1999, Sheen played himself in Being John Malkovich. He also appeared in the spoof series Scary Movie 3 and follow up Scary Movie 4.

Sheen appears as Dex Dogtective in the unreleased Lionsgate animated comedy Foodfight.^[12]

Sheen has been cast to star alongside Jason Schwartzman in Roman Coppola's upcoming film A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charlie Swan III.^[13]

Television[link]

In 2000, Sheen debuted on the small screen when he replaced Michael J. Fox for the last two seasons of the sitcom Spin City. For his work on Spin City, Sheen was nominated for two ALMA Awards and won his first Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Musical or Comedy.^[14][15] The series ended in 2002.

In 2003, Sheen was cast as Charlie Harper in the CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men, which followed the popular Monday night time slot of Everybody Loves Raymond. Sheen's role on Two and a Half Men was loosely based on Sheen's bad boy image.^[16] The role garnered him an ALMA Award and he gained three Emmy Award nominations and two Golden Globe award nominations.^[14] During his eighth and final season on the show, Sheen earned a record $1.8 million per episode.^[3]

Warner Bros. dismissal[link]

In January 2011, production of Two and a Half Men went on hiatus while Sheen underwent a substance rehabilitation program in his home, his third attempt at rehab in twelve months.^[17][18][19] The following month, however, CBS canceled the season's four remaining episodes after Sheen publicly made derogatory comments about the series' creator, Chuck Lorre,^[20] and Warner Bros. officially banned Sheen from entering its production lot.^[21] Sheen, already the highest-paid actor on television,^[3] responded by publicly demanding a 50 percent raise,^[22] claiming that in comparison to the amount that the series was making, he was "underpaid."^[22]

CBS and Warner Bros. fired Sheen from Two and a Half Men on March 7, 2011.^[23] He was replaced by Ashton Kutcher.^[24][25] In the aftermath of his dismissal, Sheen remained vocally critical of Chuck Lorre,^[26] and filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Lorre and Warner Bros., which was settled the following September 26.^[27] That same month, Sheen, while presenting an award at the Primetime Emmy Awards, addressed "everybody here from Two and a Half Men" and stated, "From the bottom of my heart, I wish you nothing but the best for this upcoming season. We spent eight wonderful years together and I know you will continue to make great television."^[28]

Meltdown[link]

This section requires expansion.

In the wake of the dismissal, Sheen had a highly publicized "meltdown" which was broadcast on television and the internet. He made bizarre statements in television interviews, suggesting that he was a "warlock" with "tiger blood" and "Adonis DNA".^[29] He also posted videos to YouTube showing himself smoking cigarettes through his nose, and cursing out his former employers. ^[30] He told one TV interviewer, "‘I’m tired of pretending I’m not special. I’m tired of pretending I’m not a total bitchin’ rock star from Mars."^[31]

Other[link]

On September 19, 2011, Sheen was roasted on Comedy Central. It was watched by 6.4 million people, making it the highest rated roast on Comedy Central to date.^[32]

Other ventures[link]

In 2006, Sheen launched a clothing line for kids, called Sheen Kidz.^[33]

In 2011, Sheen set a new Guinness World Record for Twitter as the "Fastest Time to Reach 1 Million Followers" (adding an average of 129,000 new followers per day^[34]) as well as the Guinness record for "Highest Paid TV Actor Per Episode – Current" at $1.25 million while he was a part of the cast of Two and a Half Men sitcom.^[35] On March 3, 2011, Charlie Sheen signed with Ad.ly marketing agency specializing in Twitter and Facebook promotions.^[36][37]

Sheen's "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option" tour on the marquee of Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

On March 10, 2011, Sheen announced a nationwide tour, "My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option", which began in Detroit on April 2.^[38] The tour sold out in 18 minutes, a Ticketmaster record.^[39] However, on April 1, 2011 the Detroit Free Press featured an article that stated as of March 30 that there were over 1000 tickets available from a third-party reseller, some at 15% less than the cheapest seats sold at the Fox Theater.^[40] The Huffington Post reported that it was expected Sheen would earn $1 million in 2011 from Twitter endorsements and $7 million from the North American tour.^[41] Many of those attending the April 2 performance in Detroit found it disappointing;^[42] the subsequent performance in Chicago, which featured some adjustments, received a more positive reception.^[43]

Sheen has taken up a new business venture as a partner in a line of electronic cigarettes. The "NicoSheen" product will feature the actor's signature smirk on packages of disposable E-cigarettes and related products.^[44]

On August 13, 2011, Sheen appeared as a host at the 12th annual Gathering of the Juggalos. He received a mixed reaction from the audience. Some cheered him, and some booed and threw things at him.^[45]

Personal life[link]

Family and relationships[link]

Sheen has been married three times and has five children. His first daughter, Cassandra Jade Estevez, was born on December 12, 1984, to his former high school girlfriend, Paula Profit.^[46][47]

In January 1990, Sheen accidentally shot his fiancee, Kelly Preston, in the arm.^[48] She broke off the engagement soon after.^[49][50][51]

In the 1990s, Sheen dated a number of adult film actresses, including Ginger Lynn^[48][52][53] and Heather Hunter.^[48]

On September 3, 1995,^[54] Sheen married Donna Peele.^[55] That same year, Sheen was named as one of the clients of an escort agency operated by Heidi Fleiss.^[56] Sheen and Peele divorced in 1996.^[5]

On June 15, 2002, Sheen married actress Denise Richards. They have two daughters, Sam^[57] and Lola Sheen.^[58] In March 2005, Richards filed for divorce, accusing Sheen of alcohol and drug abuse and threats of violence.^[59] The divorce was finalized in November 2006 and preceded a custody dispute over their two daughters.^[60][61][62]

On May 30, 2008, Sheen married Brooke Mueller, who later gave birth to their twin sons, Bob and Max.^[63][64][65] In November 2010, Sheen filed for divorce. On March 1, 2011, police removed Bob and Max from Sheen's home. Sheen told NBC's Today, "I stayed very calm and focused."^[66] According to People, social services took the children after Mueller obtained a restraining order against Sheen. The document said, "I am very concerned that [Sheen] is currently insane."^[67] Asked if he would fight for the children, Sheen texted People, "Born ready. Winning."^[67] Sheen and Mueller's divorce became final on May 2, 2011.^[2][68][69]

On March 1, 2011, Sheen was concurrently living with pornographic actress Rachel Oberlin and model and graphic designer Natalie Kenly, whom he collectively nicknamed his "goddesses".^{[70][71][72][73][74]} Oberlin left Sheen in April 2011, and Kenly left in June 2011.^[75][76]

Substance abuse and legal issues[link]

On May 20, 1998, Sheen overdosed while using cocaine and was hospitalized. On August 11, 1998, Sheen, already on probation for a previous drug offense, had his probation extended for an extra year and entered a rehab clinic.^[77][78] In a 2004 interview, Sheen admitted that the overdose was caused by his experimentation with injecting cocaine.^[79]

On December 25, 2009, Sheen was arrested for assaulting his wife, Brooke Mueller. He was released the same day from jail after posting an $8,500 bond.^[80][81] Sheen was charged with felony menacing, as well as third-degree assault and criminal mischief.^[82] On August 2, 2010, Sheen pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault as part of a plea bargain that included dismissal of the other charges against him. Sheen was sentenced to 30 days in a drug rehab center, 30 days of probation, and 36 hours of anger management.^[83]

On October 26, 2010, the police removed Sheen from his suite at the Plaza Hotel after he reportedly caused $7,000 in damage.^[84] According to the NYPD, Sheen admitted to drinking and using cocaine the night of the incident.^[84] He was released after entering a hospital for observation.^[85]

Political views and activities[link]

Charitable activities[link]

Sheen was the 2004 spokesperson for the Lee National Denim Day breast cancer fundraiser that raised millions of dollars for research and education regarding the disease. Sheen stated that a friend of his died from breast cancer, and he wanted to try to help find a cure for the disease.

A major donor and supporter of Aid For AIDS since 2006, Sheen was honored with an AFA Angel Award, one of only a few ever given, at the nonprofit's 25th Silver Anniversary Reception in 2009.^[86] In addition to his financial support, he has volunteered to act as a celebrity judge for several years for their annual fundraiser, Best In Drag Show,^[87] which raises around a quarter of a million dollars^[86] each year in Los Angeles for AIDS assistance.^[88][89] He has brought other celebrities to support the event, including his father, actor Martin Sheen.^[90] Sheen's interest in AIDS was first reported in 1987 with his support of Ryan White, an Indiana teenager who became a national spokesperson for AIDS awareness after being infected with AIDS through a blood transfusion for his hemophilia.^[91][92]

On March 27, 2008, Sheen and Jenna Elfman co-hosted a New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project charity event.^[93]

Sheen is donating one dollar from each ticket sold from his “My Violent Torpedo of Truth/Defeat is Not An Option Show” 2011 tour to the Red Cross Japanese Earthquake Relief Fund.^[39]

In 2011, Sheen took on a Twitter challenge by a grieving mother to help critically ill babies born with Congenital diaphragmatic hernia by supporting CHERUBS – The Association of Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Research, Awareness and Support.^[94]

September 11 attacks[link]

On March 20, 2006, Sheen stated that he questions the U.S. Government's account of the September 11 attacks.^[95] He said during the interview that the collapse of the World Trade Center towers looked like a controlled demolition.^[96][97]

Sheen has since become a prominent advocate of the 9/11 Truth movement.^[98] On September 8, 2009, he appealed to President Barack Obama to set up a new investigation into the attacks. Presenting his views as a transcript of a fictional encounter with Obama, he was characterized by the press as believing the 9/11 Commission was a whitewash and that the administration of former President George W. Bush may have been responsible for the attacks.^[99][100]

Filmography[link]

Films[link]

Short films[link]

Television[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Charlie Sheen

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Charlie Sheen

• Official website
• Charlie Sheen at the Internet Movie Database
• Charlie Sheen: Life and Times – slideshow by Life magazine

Rebecca Luker
Luker at the NYS ARTS Fall Gala 2008
Born	April 17, 1961 Helena, Alabama
Education	University of Montevallo, 1984
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Years active	1984 – present
Spouse	Gregory Jbara (unknown) Danny Burstein (June 2000 - present)
Website
[1]

Rebecca Luker (born April 17, 1961) is an American actress, singer, concert performer, and recording artist who has appeared in several musical theatre productions on Broadway. Luker's voice type is soprano; The New York Times has compared her to actresses such as Barbara Cook and Julie Andrews.^[1] She has been nominated for three Tony Awards during her career.

Life and career[link]

Luker was born in Helena, Alabama, near Birmingham, the daughter of a high school treasurer and a construction worker.^[2] She attended the University of Montevallo, earning a BA in music, taking a year off to perform with the Michigan Opera Theatre in 1984.^[3]

Luker's Broadway debut was in The Phantom of the Opera as an understudy to Sarah Brightman and eventual replacement in the leading role of Christine (1988–91). Subsequent Broadway roles included Lily in The Secret Garden (1991–93), Magnolia in Show Boat (1994–97; the first actress to be nominated for a Tony Award for this role),^[4] Maria in The Sound of Music (1998–99), Marian in The Music Man (2000–01), and Claudia in Nine (2003). She recently played the role of Mrs. Banks in Mary Poppins (2006–10).

Luker appeared Off-Broadway in The Vagina Monologues, Indian Summer, X (Life of Malcolm X), Brigadoon, Death Takes a Holiday, and Can't Let Go. During 2002, the Kennedy Center presented a "Sondheim Celebration"; Luker appeared in Passion as Clara. She performed in the New York City Center Encores! staged concerts of The Boys from Syracuse and Where's Charley?. Her TV appearances include The Good Wife, Matlock, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and the Hallmark movie Cupid & Cate.

Luker, Truman Capote, and To Kill a Mockingbird were the 2001 Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame inductees. She also received a doctorate of fine arts, honoris causa on May 5, 2010 from her alma mater, the University of Montevallo.^[5]

She married Danny Burstein in June 2000^[6]and has two stepsons.

Awards and nominations[link]

• 2007: Bistro Award, Feinstein's at the Regency (Solo Cabaret) - Winner
• 2007: Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Mary Poppins - Nominee
• 2007: Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, Mary Poppins - Nominee
• 2000: Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, The Music Man - Nominee
• 2000: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, The Music Man - Nominee
• 2000: Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, The Music Man - Nominee
• 1998: Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Actress in a Musical, The Sound of Music - Nominee
• 1997: Drama-Logue Award, Harmony - Winner
• 1995: Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical, Show Boat - Nominee
• 1991: Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical, The Secret Garden - Nominee

Discography[link]

Solo Recordings[link]

• Greenwich Time (2009, PS Classics)
• Leaving Home (2004, PS Classics)
• Anything Goes: Rebecca Luker Sings Cole Porter (1996, Varèse Sarabande)

Cast Recordings[link]

• Life Begins at 8:40 (2010 World Premiere Recording, PS Classics)
• Kitty’s Kisses (2009 World Premiere Recording, PS Classics)
• Dear Edwina (2008 World Premiere Recording, PS Classics)
• Brownstone (2003 Studio Cast Recording, Original Cast Record)
• Everybody’s Getting into the Act (2003 Studio Cast Recording, Varèse Sarabande)
• The Music Man (2000 New Broadway Cast Recording, Q Records)
• Wonderful Town (1998 Studio Cast Recording, JAY Records)
• The Sound of Music (1998 New Broadway Cast Recording, RCA Victor)
• The Boys from Syracuse (1997 Encores! Cast Recording, DRG Records)
• Show Boat (1994 Revival Cast Album, Livent Music)
• Brigadoon (1992 Studio Cast Album, EMI Records)
• The Secret Garden (1991 Original Broadway Cast Album, Columbia Records)
• Strike up the Band (1991 Studio Cast Album, Elektra Nonesuch)
• Annie Get Your Gun (1991 Studio Cast Album, EMI Records)
• Kiss Me, Kate (1990 Studio Cast Album, EMI Recordings)
• Show Boat (1988 Studio Cast Album, EMI Records)

Featured Recordings[link]

• Poetic License 100 Poems/100 Performers (2010, GPR Records)
• Tom Herman: Music for Voice (2008, CDBY)
• State of Grace III (2006, Koch Int’l Classics)
• The Real Thing: Jamie deRoy and Friends, Volume 7 (2006, Harbinger Records)
• Jule Styne in Hollywood (2006, PS Classics)
• Philip Chaffin: Warm Spring Night (2005, PS Classics)
• Jeepers Creepers: Great Songs from Horror Films (2003, Red Circle)
• Aria 3: Metamorphosis (2003, Koch Records)
• Believe: The Songs of The Sherman Brothers (2003, Varèse Sarabande)
• Sweet Appreciation: Rusty Magee Live at the West Bank Café (2002, SixFootPlusMusic)
• Peter Buchi: An American Voice (2002, Azica)
• My Favorite Broadway: The Love Songs (2001, Hybrid Recordings)
• Aria 2: New Horizon (1999, Astor Place Recordings)
• A Little Bit in Love (1999 Compilation Album, JAY Records)
• Simple Gifts: Carols from the Abbey (1998, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS)
• Bernstein Dances (1998, Deutsche Grammophon)
• A Special Place: Songs from the Heart (1998, Original Cast Records)
• George & Ira Gershwin: Standards & Gems (1998 Compilation Album, Nonesuch Records)
• The Best of the Broadway Divas (1997 Compilation Album, Varèse Sarabande)
• The Best of In Celebration of Life 1-5 (Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS)
• Aria (1997, Astor Place Recordings)
• Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas (1997, Walt Disney Records)
• Unsung Musicals II (1995, Varèse Sarabande)
• Lost in Boston III (1995, Varèse Sarabande)
• Voices of Broadway: Songs of Conscience and Hope (1994, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS)
• Musicals! (1993 Compilation Album, EMI Records)
• Unsung Sondheim (1993, Varèse Sarabande)
• Jerome Kern Treasury (1993, EMI Records)
• Jerome Kern in London and Hollywood (1992, Rialto Records)
• Broadway Showstoppers (1992, EMI Records)
• Sing Before Breakfast (1991, Rialto Records)
• Placido Domingo: The Broadway I Love (1991, Warner Music)
• Early Kern (1991, Rialto Recordings)
• Keep Your Undershirt On (1990, Rialto Recordings)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official Website
• Rebecca Luker at the Internet Broadway Database
• Rebecca Luker at the Internet Movie Database
• Rebecca Luker Downstage Center XM radio interview by the American Theatre Wing, January 2007
• Playbill article DIVA TALK: Chatting with Rebecca Luker, April 2006
• Rebecca Luker interview: Performance Working in the Theatre CUNY-TV video at American Theatre Wing, September 2003
• 2006 review from NY Times
• BroadwayWorld.com interview with Rebecca Luker, June 9, 2007