Jed Bartlet
Josiah Edward "Jed" Bartlet is a fictional character from the American television serial drama The West Wing created by Aaron Sorkin and portrayed by actor Martin Sheen. The role earned Sheen a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama in 2001, as well as two SAG Awards.
| Josiah Bartlet | |
|---|---|
| The West Wing character | |
Martin Sheen as President Josiah Bartlet | |
| First appearance | "Pilot" (episode 1.01) |
| Last appearance | "Tomorrow" (episode 7.22) |
| Created by | Aaron Sorkin |
| Portrayed by | Martin Sheen Jason Widener (flashbacks) Emilio Estevez (flashbacks) |
| In-universe information | |
| Full name | Josiah Edward Bartlet |
| Nickname | Jed Liberty, Eagle and Potus (Secret Service code names) |
| Occupation | President of the United States (1999–2007; two terms) Pre-series Governor of New Hampshire (1991–1999; four terms) U.S. Representative for New Hampshire's 1st district (1985–1991; three terms) Member of the New Hampshire House of Representatives (1971–1985; seven terms) Professor at Dartmouth College Economist |
| Affiliation | Democratic |
| Family | Dr. Bartlet (father) Mrs. Bartlet (mother) Jonathan Bartlet (brother) Annie Bartlet Westin (granddaughter) Gus Bartlet Westin (grandson) Unnamed Faison (grandchild) |
| Spouse | Dr. Abigail "Abbey" Bartlet |
| Children | Elizabeth Bartlet Westin Eleanor Bartlet Faison Zoey Bartlet |
| Relatives | Doug Westin (son-in-law, via Elizabeth) Victor Faison (son-in-law, via Eleanor) Josiah Bartlett (real-life ancestor) |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Home | Manchester, New Hampshire |
| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | University of Notre Dame (B.A.) London School of Economics (M.Sc., Ph.D.) |
| Awards | Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from Dartmouth College |
Bartlet's tenure as a fictional Democratic President of the United States is a preeminent aspect of the series. His origin as a recurring character evolved due to Sheen's acting finesse; Sorkin and fellow West Wing writers shaped Bartlet's role within the show accordingly. The first season depicts part of Bartlet's first two years in the White House. The remainder of the series fleshes out the details of Bartlet's administration, including friction between his policies and those of the Republican-dominated Congress, his tribulations with multiple sclerosis, his reelection, and the campaign of his successor, Matt Santos.
Bartlet is characterized by manifest integrity, quick witticisms, a fierce intellect, and compassionate stoicism.