Carlos Irwin Estevez makes the list - 9.29.2006.1

Well here is a first, or at least a first to my knowledge. Mr. Charlie Sheen [his true name is Carlos Irwin Estevez] is now the highest paid actor on television today. With perhaps the exception of father Mr. Martin Sheen [Ramon Estevez] I believe that his new deal makes him the highest paid Hispanic actor on television ever. It’s quite the sweet deal too, bringing in not only $350,000 an episode but also allowing a percentage of the profit. With the start of the 4 season of Two and a Half Men, he is well on his way to reaching the lofty heights of the 1 million dollars an episode or better attained by Mr. Kelsey Grammer and Mr. Ray Romano.

I’m glad Mr. Sheen is getting some recognition for his abilities. He’s a good actor, as can be seen in his roles in Wall Street and Platoon and comedicly in the Hot Shots! movies among others. For too long there has been too much attention paid to his flaws and difficulties. One thing though that no one has thought about is the fact that no other Latino has made as much on broadcast television.

I’m talking about constant dollars of course. Mr. Desi Arnaz is without doubt the top of the list of Hispanic entertainers on television. Desilu Productions was groundbreaking not only for its owners, but also for the programming; the legacy of which endures in the extended movies and spin-offs of Star Trek. Also in the top, I imagine, would be Mr. Tony Orlando (from the 70’s. He had a variety show – now you youngster know), Mr. Ricardo Montalban (the grandfather in Spy Kids, and Khan in Star Trek: Wrath of Khan). I add Mr. Freddie Prinze to that list, though he was with us only for a short time. I have no doubt he would have challenged Mr. Arnaz give time.

Still Mr. Sheen deserves his recognition. If he is anything like me [when people mention that I look like Mr. Denzel Washington or Mr. Malcolm X] it’s a compliment to be included, or compared, in the company of such great figures.

This is what I think, what do you think?