Sean Astin

Sean Astin is an actor, director, producer, and trade union leader whose career spans more than four decades in film, television, voice acting, and theater. Astin began his career as a child actor, making his film debut as Mikey Walsh in "The Goonies," followed by roles as Billy Tepper in "Toy Soldiers," Dave Morgan in "Encino Man," Daniel Ruettiger in "Rudy," and Samwise Gamgee in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. His performance as Samwise Gamgee became a defining role, earning him critical recognition. Astin received nominations for his work and won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor, as well as honors from the Las Vegas Film Critics Society, Seattle Film Critics, Utah Film Critics Association, and Phoenix Film Critics Society.

Astin's experience extends beyond acting to directing episodic television and producing films, including the short film "Kangaroo Court," which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. During production of "The Lord of the Rings," Astin directed "The Long and Short of It," which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. He is also the author of the New York Times bestseller "There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale," which details his acting career and experiences on "The Lord of the Rings." In 2026, he starred in "A Social Contract."

On television, Astin is recognized for roles such as Lynn McGill on "24," the voice of Oso in "Special Agent Oso," the voice of Raphael on "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles," and Bob Newby on "Stranger Things." He made his Broadway debut as Santa Claus in a revival of "Elf the Musical" at the Marquis Theatre. Astin's work across genres and formats, from epic fantasy to family entertainment and live theater, demonstrates his versatility in the entertainment industry.

In addition to his creative work, Astin is active in labor advocacy and public policy. A union member since 1981, Astin was elected SAG-AFTRA president, serving a two-year term after receiving a significant majority of the vote. Following the example of his mother, former SAG President Patty Duke, Astin has volunteered extensively within the union, serving as a convention delegate, on SAG-AFTRA's National and Los Angeles Local boards, and as a member of multiple negotiating committees, including the TV/Theatrical Negotiating Committee during a historic strike. He has contributed to SAG-AFTRA's Government and Public Policy Committee, delivering congressional testimony on digital replica use and advocating for legislative protections in the age of artificial intelligence.

As SAG-AFTRA president, Astin was elected to the AFL-CIO Executive Council, delivered a keynote address at the convention, and supported the passage of a resolution for federal film and television tax incentives. He has advocated for bringing production back to the United States, improving access to health and pension plans, prioritizing residuals in contract negotiations, and strengthening AI protections. Astin also serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations and is an advocate for literacy, mental health awareness, and civic engagement. His work in acting, directing, producing, and labor leadership reflects a multifaceted career in the entertainment industry.