The magic of a creative career | Michael Sheen | TEDxSoho

In this moving and important talk, Michael Sheen talks about the need for a truly representative Media and of his work establishing pathways to bring working-class and minority voices into the national conversation.
Michael Sheen is an actor, producer, political activist and campaigner for social change. Sheen has starred in three films nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award: The Queen, directed by Stephen Frears, Frost/Nixon, directed by Ron Howard, and Midnight in Paris, directed by Woody Allen. His many award-winning stage performances include Caligula and Frost/Nixon at the Donmar Theatre, and Hamlet at the Young Vic. He created, co-directed, and performed in the groundbreaking three-day live event The Passion in Port Talbot for National Theatre Wales.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@jillallsopp7930]

THIS. This is what Levelling up should be - developing and nurturing talent, not just chucking money at local businesses. I wish Michael could see his way to entering politics

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Bravo, well said. As an Artist I don't feel he should give up acting to correct the wrong doing in Government. But his voice needs to be heard to represent the working class children. I'm English and wish we had more people like Welsh Michael Sheen speaking out about the fact that we do not need another English Prince of Wales. We need real life Heroes and Heroines that put actions to their words. When I told Michael Sheen's agent Fairy Artist Josephine Wall helped save our Butterfly Meadow and School Field, he supported our children too. Previously I had written to the Queen, which they did not know about. However, the Queen made it a rule not to Save our Children's Butterfly Meadow and School Field. Made it a RULE! I really feel she was not a motherly person, as Princess Diana I am sure would have helped support our children. A real mother and heroine. What we need is a Kindness Qualification in Government and Education Services. I feel our children would benefit if Michael Sheen was allowed to voice our opinions for Working Class Children. MPs I feel are gagged like Teachers and Nurses/Doctors. Especially Female MPs.

[@ComeRee]

He's already Tywysog o Gymru - of course he's already in Politics ;)

[@JosephineMarch7]

I have great respect for Michael Sheen. Such a nice and inteligent man and a great actor.

[@stellam2630]

This has literally made me cry this morning, my 17 year old daughter is so creative she role-playing, writes and even wrote a poem about her perspective, so wants to be an an actor, she has a rare genetic condition, is on the spectrum, ADHD in the mix, she is days away from a major surgery for Crohns disease that has been treatment resistant for 2 years and is is trying so hard to get back to school to try to do higher drama and I know they are likely to just withdraw. She feels very strongly that representation matters and we are supportive but can't take her to all the things as she has been too ill and we have 2 other kids with additional support needs. We are going to try to get her to college for acting in a year or two but feel kinda lost. These kind of things mean the world to working class people. Michael Sheen your amazing 👏 ❤

[@Ines-ki4zw]

Such an inspiring, moving and transformative project. Michael Sheen is a treasure!

[@janetslicer3637]

Outstanding presentation on a topic few give thought to. Wales should be very proud of those born and bred from the hearty stock there. I am very impressed.

[@melissaroberts8935]

Thank you, I am so excited to see what's next!

[@free22]

I would love to see that level of arts education in the US too. Theater arts education is non-existent in many areas. The actors you see on tv usually had parents that could afford private acting lessons. It’s interesting that this man can see how everything he has achieved is largely due to the work of others. Not everyone can acknowledge this. The myth of pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is very strong.

[@isqlyol5229]

Hi do you speak azeri

[@bearheart2009]

It’s always a pleasure to listen to the lovely Michael Sheen.

[@8jazz8]

10% of writers being working class... no surprise but still depressing. So, so great to hear Michael Sheen speaking like this about working class issues

[@lgreene3580]

That's what I was missing in my life growing up. My town just has never supported the arts in any real way. Really conservative and disapproving of anything artistic. My parents didn't care and they thought it was frivolous. It was really depressing.

[@dianaadamo5574]

I hope you get to be the Richard Burton for your community.

[@user-mpampis060Gr]

Η θεματολογία των παρουσιαστών έχει μεγάλο ενδιαφέρον και απήχηση στον κόσμο. Θερμή παράκληση να βάλετε υπότιτλους σε πολλές γλώσσες για να βοηθήσει αυτούς που δεν γνωρίζουν καλά την αγγλική γλώσσα. Σίγουρα αυτό θα βοηθήσει να αυξηθεί το κοινό σας. Ευχαριστώ πολύ για τον χρόνο σας. Χαιρετίσματα από την Αθήνα πρωτεύουσα της Ελλάδας.

[@miakulick]

🥰☺🤗❤Clever, charming, adorable and with an addictive voice.

[@Jonnykrav71]

Elocuted Welsh, there is nothing better. I on the other hand am also from Port Talbot and not being an actor sound dismal.

[@irisolwagen]

I wish everyone would see the bigger picture as Michael does...

[@ButterflyLullabyLtd]

Tim Burton, Anthony Hopkins and Michael Sheen had a path to succeed in life. I love that. Very proud to come from a Working Class Family. We are surrounded with love and kindness. Josephine Wall and Michael Sheen helped save our School Field and Butterfly Meadow. Very kind people. I LOVE TRUE STORIES, ESPECIALLY WHEN PEOPLE PROVE OTHERS WRONG JUST LIKE ANTHONY HOPKINS: In fact, the Academy award-winning actor discovered the world of theater after spending his childhood as an “uptight loner” who was often bullied, he said in a recent talk. Describing himself as “not at all bright” in school, Hopkins claims that he became an actor because he “had nothing better to do.” Academia can be very bullying. I really believe that we need a KINDNESS QUALIFICATION in Government and Education Services.

[@ashleyrichards5194]

But... my, my, do I love Michael Sheen... just discovered. AND... just discovered I have Welsh ancestry-- never knew.

[@kimhuongchau4085]

Beautiful story.

[@ryhanraad7874]

I love him so much 💖

[@ShaniVB]

Wonderful points and authentic to the importance of support in relation to success.

[@curtisshores2587]

Never knew he could speak on these kind of topics ...

[@aimeebrooks4303]

He's working class and Welsh so of course he can!

[@_p0seur]

he's incredibly well versed on the topics of inequality and giving voices to those who havent got one. He works to end homelessness in the UK and ensures that everything he does goes back into his community.

[@lakeshagadson357]

i love listening to ted talks

[@user-kv5sl3em4j]

You may not believe this,but in the Soviet Union, children had huge opportunities to realize their potential. There were many free clubs and sections and everyone could choose the lessons to their liking. Thank you for caring about the future of children and their potential.

[@thepoormansguidetothegalax3981]

That’s one of the reasons they had so many good musicians, ballet dancers and composers.

[@user-kv5sl3em4j]

@@thepoormansguidetothegalax3981 tnk:)))))

[@alicegordon1699]

да вот только практически за любое диссидентство можно было попасть в лагеря :)

[@user-kv5sl3em4j]

@@alicegordon1699 прямо все в лагерях сидели. Не читайте Солженицына. Он врёт

[@jennifermackinnon6982]

Same with Cuba although on a much smaller scale because of poverty. But the arts are incredibly valued in Cuba and everyone can sing or dance or play an instrument or write or sculpt. It's quite amazing.

[@JenniferMannette]

Didn't know Richard Burton AND Sir Anthony Hopkins were from Port Talbot

[@hawkarae]

I am transported. Again and again and again I am picked up like Dorothy's house, spun silly and set down a little bit more human. Thank you 💟☯️☮️

[@fangillo4387]

Moving and important, yes, now this just asserts how sad the general situation is, so i don't know about any hope....

[@jyostnabenparmar1783]

Omg him!!! I loved his part in The Prodigal son. So glad to see him!!

[@c.c.244]

just Prince and security forever in my house with que pasa "as I touch my eyelid and eyeball",Bibical

[@emmesta3933]

What is the song name?

[@KM-kj5pk]

❤️

[@thepoormansguidetothegalax3981]

This man is the most wholesome man I know. I want to marry a man like this.

[@themcgeefamily7514]

💚💙

[@grahamariss2111]

Often I get into debate with Royalists and when you have explained that Britain does not need a political President but could have an elected President with limited constitutional powers like Finland and Ireland. They then say "Who would we elect if it is not a politician", well here is the answer, a National Treasure like Michael Sheen, someone who is far more able to represent the nation than Charles Windsor who has only ever known absolute luxury and privilege.

[@joshlong6025]

This guys makes me think of Simon pegg for some reason

[@justinweatherford8129]

I am part of the human civilization found on planet earth. That civilization has some of the greatest engineers discovered thus far within our universe. This gives me hope that I might add my name to the list of great engineers within our universe. Since we consist of the only known civilization within our universe you can place whatever career feild that you choose in place of engineer, and let it inspire you on your journey as well.

[@lohht7g]

‏يقول الشيخ الشنقيطي: "إذا هبط عندك اﻹيمان، وتكاسلت عن العبادة، فالزم هذا الدعاء: اللهم ﻻ تجعلني شقيًا وﻻ محرومًا". ❤

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

The Hopkins/Burton story is very sweet but can't be true. Taylor-Burton married in 1964. Hopkins was born in 1937. Which meant he would have been 26/27 and already an actor at the very earliest time the story was set.

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

@asat3683 Yes but the whole story falls apart.

[@Trahloc]

@@jasonandlynnechambers3420 Why would the story fall apart because Hopkins confused Sybil Williams with Elizabeth Taylor? He remembers his wife was there while he was visiting his sister. Elizabeth is the most famous wife he had so she sticks in the memory. edit: Just realized Hopkin's might not have confused which wife was there, Sheen may have.

[@dragonsmith9012]

If I'm able to glean truths from imaginative works, such as those presented in films, literature, and various religions, then the absolute veracity of every last detail of an inspiring and heartwarming anecdote that I'm grokking is going to be of lesser importance to the sh*t I'm trying to hear. All due respect.

[@TheFMBBCBM]

Deus pátria família liberdade Bolsonaro o melhor presidente do Brasil e do mundo inteiro!

[@lucasemanuel7518]

Você é um dodói

[@sarfrazshah6604]

i don't understand British accent

[@markin_mask5592]

There's subtitles

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

It's Welsh. There is no such thing as a British accent.

[@JoshB100]

@@jasonandlynnechambers3420 everyone has accents.

[@jasonandlynnechambers3420]

@@JoshB100 Yes they do. But there is no British accent.

[@ashleyrichards5194]

Aziraphale... you sound... off... 😱🥺

[@davidwebb9934]

He will say or sell anything for cash.. its wot they do..

[@SaoLorenco]

what on earth are you talking about? who are 'they'?

[@davidwebb9934]

@@SaoLorenco people that sell lies to mugs for money and fame..

[@mch12311969]

Beautiful story.