Logo
Sean Astin Headshot
Report a problem with this profile
[email protected]

Sean Astin            

Actor, Director, Producer & Mental Health Advocate; Known For "Lord of the Rings"

Sean Astin is an acclaimed American film and television actor. Astin is best known for his classic and beloved characters – the ever faithful Samwise Sam Gamgee in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy and American working class hero, "Rudy." Astin made his feature film debut in the wildly popular 80’s classic "The Goonies" as the leader of an unlikely band of adolescent treasure hunters. In 2004, Astin flexed his comedy muscles as the steroid challenged Doug Whitmore in the Sony Pictures hit comedy "50 First Dates."

He went on to become a fan favorite portraying Bob Newby, in Season 2 of Netflix’s hit "series Stranger Things." Currently, Astin plays Tyler, Becky’s boyfriend on ABC’s "The Conners," as the venerable series comes to a close after 17 years.

The Academy Award nominee and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actor will make his Broadway debut this holiday season as Santa, in "Elf The Musical."

Sean Astin is the son of luminary performers, Patty Duke and John Astin and the brother of seasoned actor Mackenzie Astin.

For over four decades, Astin has thrived in the world of independent cinema with meaningful performances in richly diverse films: "Staying Together" (1989), "Where The Day Takes" (1992), "The Low Life" (1995), "Bigger Than The Sky" (2005), "Smile" (2005), "Forever Strong" (2008), "Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea" (2012), "The Surface" (2014), "Mom’s Night Out" (2014), "Woodlawn" (2015), "The Lears" (2017), "Gloria Bell" (2018) with Julianne Moore, "Charming The Hearts of Men" (2021) opposite Kelsey Grammer, "Hard Miles" (2023), "iMordecai" (2023) opposite Judd Hirsch and Carol Kane, and "The Shift" (2024)

Astin is well known to television audiences, having performed in long form programs such as; the title character in the adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s "Harrison Bergeron" and in the adaptation of Terry Pratchet’s legendary book, "The Color of Magic." Astin has appeared as a series regular, notably in Guillermo Del Toro’s "The Strain" (FX), and the Best Drama Award-winning fifth season of "24" (Fox), as well as J. Michael Straczynski’s "Jeremiah" (Showtime). He has guest starred on many familiar dramatic programs including "Monk," "Law and Order," "The Librarians," "Supergirl" and "The Alphas."

Astin has enjoyed working on many television comedies; he played lead character Ed Thompson for 20 episodes of Netflix’s throwback situation comedy No Good Nick. He has also guest starred on many shows, including The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn 99 and Franklin & Bash.

The veteran actor recently narrated Dreamworks’ original series "Captain Underpants" and has voiced many animated characters in films and television including Raphael in the "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (Nickelodeon), "Bunnicula" (WB), "Justice League" (WB), "Special Agent Oso" (Disney), "Micronauts" (Paramount) and "Minecraft: Story Mode"(Telltale).

Astin directed and produced the short film "Kangaroo Court," which earned him an Academy Award® nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. Astin also directed and produced the live action short film "The Long and Short of It," an official entry in the Sundance Film Festival. Astin has journeyed into episodic television, directing episodes of "Angel" (WB) and "Jeremiah" (Showtime). In 2019 Astin reprised his iconic role of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger as Colonel Sanders in KFC's 'Rudy II' commercial ads

Astin is an avid long-distance runner and triathlete. He completed the IRONMAN World Championship Triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October 10, 2015. He has also completed 12 Full Marathons including the 2016 New York City Marathon in honor of his late mother, Patty Duke for her life's work as an advocate for mental health.

Speech Topics

Mental Health Awareness

Sean Astin approaches the national mental health conversation from a unique perspective. His mother, academy and multi Emmy Award-winning Patty Duke suffered through most of Sean’s childhood with an undiagnosed bipolar mood condition. Once diagnosed, she became a nationally renowned mental health advocate writing books, producing a film and giving lectures across the country in an effort to help destigmatize mental illness.

For over twenty years, Sean has continued to build on his mother’s legacy of advocacy. By sharing intimate stories and details of growing up in a family where a mental health issue informs everyday life, Sean guides an audience through practical thinking about the issues from a lay perspective. Having built a relationship with film audiences for forty years, he relies on that goodwill to allow him to delve into these topics in a serious and supportive manner. His discussions are about representation, advocacy and empowerment in a relatable manner with an emphasis on his disarming and common sense perspective.

Using Your Voice in Today's Political Conversation

Everyone has the power to share their beliefs and stand up for what they deem right, and everyone, especially those who can reach tremendous audiences, should certainly do so. Sean Astin discusses the importance of being the change we want to see in the world, and offers insight into his personal experiences with political involvement. Astin, for instance, spreads his message through his online political interview show, Vox Populi, but there are countless outlets for people to use to voice their political views and facilitate reform in the areas they see necessary.

Health & Wellness for Children

Staying healthy through proper nutrition and exercise is crucial for children. Astin, an avid marathon runner, discusses the ways which children’s health and wellness allows them to grow and succeed.

Activism & Volunteerism on Campus

Civic Duty & Politics Today

Films & Film-Making

Show more speech topics

News

Sean Astin Pays Tribute To Mother By Launching Patty Duke Mental Health Project
Actor Sean Astin has paid tribute to his mother, Patty Duke, by starting a Crowdrise campaign.
Sean Astin Starts “Patty Duke Mental Health Project” In Late Mother’s Honor
Sean Astin announced the “Patty Duke Mental Health Project” on Tuesday, just hours after his mother’s death.
'Lord of The Rings' Actor Shares His Faith Journey to Christianity
Sean Astin's career in Hollywood has entailed numerous film projects including the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Goonies," "50 First Dates" and more, but his ...

Related Speakers View all

More like Sean