Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1541667
58 SAG-AFTRA | Fall/Winter 2025 | sagaftra.org ewly-elected SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin has made a career of playing big-hearted, compact heroes. In roles ranging from the treasure-hunting Mikey in the '80s fan-favorite The Goonies to the unlikely "superhero" Bob Newby in the Netflix sensation Stranger Things, Astin has always embodied the spirit of the intrepid dreamer. Less than a decade after taking on one of his most career-defining roles, Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger in the football classic Rudy, Astin portrayed perhaps the largest character in literary and cinema history, the 3-foot-6-inch hobbit for the ages, Samwise Gamgee, in the fantasy classic The Lord of the Rings. The entertainment industry and audiences alike are drawn to Astin's unique brand of earnestness and optimism. His default is an unapologetic sincerity that inspires hope for a kinder, more empathetic world. A regular speaker at conventions, congressional hearings and commencement ceremonies, Astin's life of civic service dates back to his childhood, when his mother, former Screen Actors Guild President Patty Duke, modeled a deep commitment to activism, political engagement and union solidarity. Growing up, Astin would watch with wonder as actors gathered in his family's living room, exploring ideas and plotting a course to champion the safety and security of their colleagues. "It's in my DNA. It's how my mother raised me," Astin explained when asked why he wanted to run for president. He said he could think of no better way to use his lifetime of experience in the industry than to "use union work to care for my colleagues." He added, "The role of the president of our union offers a unique vantage point from which to be useful." In fact, Astin feels the position is already shaping him. "Though the term is only two years, this role is life-defining. I think the experience of being president of this union is transforming my identity in real time. I'll never stop being me, but every member should expect that who I am now — a leader trying to understand every issue that affects their lives — is defined by them." PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE For Astin, his presidential agenda starts with protecting the core functions of the organization, negotiating strong contracts, fighting to increase accessibility and improving the quality of the health plan, as well as working tirelessly to ensure the pension plans are well-funded and well-supervised. Promoting safety on sets, enforcing contracts and advocating for public policy that benefits members are also central elements of his ambitious agenda. Astin also wants the union to restore proper order with our talent agency agreements, crack down on abuses by casting platforms, strengthen relationships with allies and make much better use of Sean Astin, pictured here showing off his union card in 2005, has been a member since 1981. Meet SAG-AFTRA President Sean Astin OUR TIME! ROCCO CESELIN JEFF VESPA