Sheen to be honoured for activism

Martin Sheen is to be honoured for his support of the rights of migrant workers and the homeless.

The 67-year-old will be presented with the University of Notre Dame's Laetare Medal during a ceremony in Indiana on May 18.

The annual award, which has been handed out since 1883, recognises the Catholic "whose genius has ennobled the arts and sciences, illustrated the ideals of the church and enriched the heritage of humanity".

University president Reverend John Jenkins said the West Wing star had used his fame to help others, commenting: "He has used that celebrity to draw the attention of his fellow citizens to issues that cry out for redress, such as the plight of immigrant workers and homeless people, the waging of unjust war, the killing of the unborn and capital punishment."

Sheen, who describes himself as a Catholic peace activist, has participated in several non-violent demonstrations against US military policies.

His West Wing character President Josiah Bartlet attended the University of Notre Dame.