Irish American actor Charlie Sheen, 44, was booked on domestic violence charges at the ski resort of Aspen, Colorado on Christmas Day. Sheen, son of actor Martin Sheen, was later freed on bail. Sheen reportedly threatened his wife, Brooke Mueller, with a knife in the incident, which led to his arrest. The couple have young twins.

Sheen was booked on second degree assault and menacing "coupled with a domestic violence component," said local police.

Sheen's representative Stan Rosenfield would not comment except to say, "Don't be misled by appearances. Appearances and reality can be as different as night and day. It would benefit everyone not to jump to any conclusion."

Sheen had previous clashed with his second wife actress Denise Richards. Their four-year marriage ended in 2006 in a bitter divorce that kept the tabloids busy for months.

Sheen's father, actor Martin Sheen, is the son of Irish immigrant Mary Ann Phelan, who had IRA connections. His mother hailed from the Borrisikane area of County Tipperary. Sheen senior has spent considerable time in Ireland and in 2006 enrolled in University College Galway for a time to obtain the degree he had never achieved.

Speaking of his son Charlie, Martin Sheen stated, "No father could ever be prouder of his son. I hold Charlie's accomplishments dearer than my own. He has been through so much and overcome so much more. Even if he weren't my son he'd still be my best friend."

Charlie Sheen's film credits include "Platoon" and "Wall Street," he is best known for his role on the risque CBS sitcom "Two and a Half Men," one of television's top-rated shows.