Sean Astin

SEAN ASTIN is an acclaimed American film and television actor and is best known for classic characters: Samwise Gamgee in THE LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy, Rudy in RUDY, Mikey Walsh in Spielberg's THE GOONIES, Doug Whitmore in 50 FIRST DATES, Bob Newby in Netflix's STRANGER THINGS and Tyler on ABC'S THE CONNERS. Astin made his Broadway debut as Santa last holiday season, in ELF THE MUSICAL. Astin is the son of luminary performers, Patty Duke and John Astin. In September of 2025, Astin was elected president of SAG/AFTRA. Astin served on the National and Los Angeles Local Boards as well as on many committees (Executive, Strike Preparedness, Government Affairs & Public Policy and the Government Rules Committee).

He was on the 2023 TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee, which oversaw the historic 118 summer strike, as well as 2024/2025 Animation & Commercials Negotiating Committees. Recently he delivered keynote speeches at the California Federation of Labor Convention in San Diego and in front of the legislature in Sacramento, California in support of AI protections legislation. Astin served under six secretaries in two administrations as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. Astin was appointed by the Presidents Council as a non-partisan on Service and Civic Participation Astin regularly speaks to Universities, Corporations and Non-Profit Organizations on various subjects including, Leadership, Acting and with special emphasis on continuing his mothers legacy of activism in the area of mental health. Sean recently completed a Master's degree in Public Administration and Policy at American University. Sean graduated from UCLA in 1997 with B.A.'s in History and English. Astin lives in Los Angeles, CA with his wife, Christine Astin. They have three children, Ali Astin Elizabeth Astin and Isabella Astin.