Actor Michael Sheen announced he is taking a break from acting to become a full-time activist. The Frost/Nixon star said he wants to start grassroots organizations that will go toe-to-toe with emerging far-right populism groups in the U.K.
Now that Masters of Sex has departed this earth, Sheen has some extra time on his hands. But the actor is leaving at the height of his career in order to take on issues he holds close. Sheen told The Times UK the rise of far-right populism in England, mixed with Brexit and Donald Trump’s ascension to the presidency were a number of reasons why he is leaving Hollywood behind:
“In the same way as the Nazis had to be stopped in Germany in the Thirties, this thing that is on the rise has to be stopped,” Sheen said. “It’s not going to look like this in 10 years’ time. Everything has shifted. The dice are being rolled again.”
Sheen said he will be heading back to Port Talbot in south wales where he will be organizing some grassroots activism groups. He went on to say the switch in careers could affect his future in Hollywood, not to mention his relationship with Sarah Silverman, but is ready for the road ahead:
“It will be a big change for how people relate to me,” Sheen said. “Once I’m in, I’m fully in, and this is big. As soon as you start to be effective, then people try to crush you, because it’s dangerous.”
It’s a major leap for an actor to take, but it will be fascinating to see how his activism efforts will turn out and if he ever returns to Hollywood.
(Via The Times & Rolling Stone)
