What's next for Charlie Sheen? 5 possibilities
Now that CBS has sacked the out-of-control star, will Sheen sign with a cable network, launch a stadium tour... or fly to Haiti?
Charlie Sheen has finally been fired from the CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men" for his unruly behavior and reckless network bashing, leaving the obstreperous star without a day job. Though the actor has plenty to occupy him — hanging with his "goddess" girlfriends, hosting his new UStream show, keeping his 1.3 million Twitter followers updated — that hasn't stopped commentators from pondering Sheen's next move. Here, five theories:
1. He will return to TV... on HDNet
Sheen has been offered a vague new deal by Mark Cuban, the head of cable channel HDNet, according to The Hollywood Reporter. "It could be a talk show or a reality show," said the entertainment magnate, who also owns the NBA's Dallas Mavericks. "We're trying to decide. Right now, we're taping a lot of different things that he's doing and we'll try to figure it out."
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2. Go to Haiti
Sheen reportedly plans to travel to earthquake-stricken Haiti with his friend Sean Penn, reports Access Hollywood. After Sheen floated the idea, Penn issued a formal invitation, saying: "I would very much like to show my old friend the world of needs on the ground in Haiti." Sheen has commented, in characteristically self-involved fashion: "If I can bring the attention of the world down there [in Haiti], then clearly this tsunami keeps cresting."
3. Capitalize on his new online presence
Sheen could squeeze a lot of money from his online influence, endorsing products via Twitter and Facebook, says marketing expert Arnie Gullov-Singh, quoted in the Los Angeles Times: "Brands lined up to advertise on 'Two and a Half Men' because of the show's reach," says Gullov-Singh, and would likely jump at the chance to tap Sheen's online fanbase. Sheen has already plugged Naked Juices and DirecTV on his Twitter feed, apparently for no fee.
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4. Go back to college
Students at George Washington University are campaigning to bring Sheen to their campus to deliver the 2012 commencement address, says The Huffington Post. Presumably, he'd offer weighty advice about "tiger blood and prostitute sleeping arrangements." West Chester University and the University of Georgia have also issued invitations. If he accepted, he wouldn't be the first Sheen to immerse himself in academia — father Martin studied at the University of Galway in Ireland back in 2006.
5. Embark on a Conan-style stadium tour
"Charlie needs to get out of the house, badly," says Mark Drapeau at The Huffington Post. How about following in the footsteps of Conan O'Brien, and taking his show on the road? He could "draw bigger crowds than most any stand-up comedian out there," build a "post meltdown 'Charlie Army,'" and parlay the hype into a "real media comeback." Sheen appears to have taken note — he has already signed a contract with concert promoter LiveNation.
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