Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
62 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org upcoming TV/Theatrical negotiations, Astin emphasized that, "It is deeply important to me to go into each negotiation, working with each team with strength, wisdom, creativity and passion, and to advocate ferociously for the concerns of every member. Knowing how to listen, learn and be prepared to compromise when appropriate and to fight like the devil when necessary is the sum takeaway of everything I've been taught. This is the sum takeaway of everything I've been taught. It's how I live my life." While "fighting like the devil" may not seem like a natural tactic for a performer who has birthed a generation of likeable characters, it's an approach he's prepared to employ in order to defend the profession he cares so deeply about. During the National Day of Solidarity rally on Aug. 22, 2023, outside of Disney Studios during the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike, Astin's remarks — inspired by his daughter Ali, who insisted that people wanted "love" not anger from him — were memorable for their ability to transform tenderness into a war cry. "I love what I do!" Astin yelled with rising passion to the crowd of over 2,000 strikers and supporters. "You love what you do! We love what we do! And I'll tell you what: We will not let them weaponize our love for our craft against us in the negotiating room!" Now, nearly two years out from the TV/Theatrical/Streaming strike, Astin insists that SAG-AFTRA members are still, and always will be, ready to stand with each other. "Our members are extraordinary. They're talented. They are professional. They have a work ethic that's second to none in the world. And what's been demanded of them through this technology revolution, the pandemic, the production contraction and national tumult is patience. My job is to make sure that the fallout from the turmoil we have experienced is not used as a tool by billion-dollar companies to claim poverty or corporate hardship and wiggle their way out of making a fair and proper deal. We will not let them use the instability and volatility they stoke and their constant market 62 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org Above, Astin and National Executive Director & Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland. ROCCO CESELIN SEAN AT WORK From top to bottom, Astin, right, and Ke Huy Quan in The Goonies (1985); Astin playing the titular role in Rudy (1993); Astin, was nominated for his first Screen Actors Guild Award for being among the cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001). The cast, which included Elijah Wood, right, would eventually receive the SAG Award in 2004 for The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. AMBLIN ENTERTAINMENT/WARMERBROS./PHOTOFEST TRISTAR PICTURES/PHOTOFEST NEW LINE CINEMA/PHOTOFEST experimentation to manipulate us. We know what we are worth. We know what they can afford. And they know what we need. Reasonable minds and fair dealing on all sides should get us to a deal without drama." RESPONSIBILITY AND RESOLVE Following the announcement of the election results, Astin's statement encouraged a positive outlook. "Now is a time for optimism and creativity. I am thrilled that the members have allowed me to lead our storied organization out of this challenging moment and into a future defined by confidence, progress and fierce advocacy." Astin then congratulated his running mate, Michelle Hurd, who was elected secretary-treasurer. He also commended member leaders in the 25 locals who put themselves forward to serve. "I look forward to working with all of you." As he often does, Astin thanked his wife, Christine, and his daughters Ali, Elizabeth and Bella for their love and support. Acknowledging his lineage, Astin said, "I am the first second-generation president of our union. My mother would say that she is so proud that the voters placed their faith in me. I think that was the result of a lifetime of hard work and a hope that maybe I could help make things better. I see this as a new moment. I'm grateful for the confidence they've placed in me. Now, I want to earn it." • Listen: New Podcast President Astin On His Day-One Priorities