Who knew Charlie Sheen was a method actor?
For his role in 1989's Major League, Sheen reveals that he took some extreme measures to play heavy hitter Ricky Vaughn.
"Let's just say that I was enhancing my performance a little bit. It was the only time I ever did steroids," he tells Sports Illustrated. "I did them for like six or eight weeks. You can print this: my fastball went from 79 to like 85."
His character's signature hairstyle, combined with his steroid use, proved to be a dangerous combination. "I didn't like the haircut because it generated so many comments in bars. I've got enough of that already," Sheen says. "Add that to the mix and it's a recipe for a fistfight."
Twenty-two years later, Sheen says he only has fond memories from filming the beloved baseball flick.
"We had this party at my place a few months ago to watch Major League. It was awesome. The beard was there — Brian Wilson, from the [San Francisco] Giants. We had [baseball players] Eddie Murray and Kenny Lofton. And I got [director] David Ward to introduce the film," he says. "Colin Farrell showed up. And when my big strikeout at the end comes on, the place goes nuts like we've never even seen the movie before."
"I'm in between my two girlfriends, and I look over and there's Colin Farrell giving me a thumbs-up. I reach behind me for a fist bump from Brian Wilson, who goes, 'Winning!'" Sheen continues. "I'm telling you, David Ward created a baseball classic, and baseball is all that matters in the world."
"You know, I always wonder what I'm going to be in the middle of when I die," the out-of-work actor says. "And I just hope it's not in the middle of the greatest pennant race ever."
