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Sean Astin
Sean Astin (27506939735) (cropped).jpg
Astin at the 2016 Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest
Born
Sean Patrick Duke

(1971-02-25) February 25, 1971 (age 54)
Alma mater Los Angeles Valley College
University of California, Los Angeles (BA)
American University (MPAP)
Occupation
Actor
Years active 1981–present
Political party Democratic
Spouse(s)
Christine Harrell
(m. 1992)
Children 3
Parent(s)
Relatives Mackenzie Astin (brother)
Alexander Astin (adoptive uncle)
Allen V. Astin (adoptive grandfather)

Sean Patrick Astin (born February 25, 1971) is an American actor. He is famous for playing Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985). He also played Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings movies (2001–2003). Later, he was the voice of Oso in Special Agent Oso (2009–2012). He voiced Raphael in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017). Many fans also know him as Bob Newby from Netflix's Stranger Things (2017).

Sean Astin has won several awards for his acting. These include a Screen Actors Guild Award and two Young Artist Awards. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film in 1994. This was for a short film he directed called Kangaroo Court. Sean is the son of actress Patty Duke. He was adopted by actor John Astin in 1972.

Early Life and Family

Sean Astin was born in Santa Monica, California, on February 25, 1971. His mother was the actress Patty Duke. When Sean was a baby, his mother married actor John Astin. John adopted Sean, and Sean grew up calling him "Daddy." In 1973, Sean's brother Mackenzie Astin was born. Mackenzie also became an actor.

Sean has a special family story. He considers John Astin his father because John raised him. He also has a close relationship with his biological father, Michael Tell. Sean has said he feels lucky to have "four dads" who love him.

Sean went to the Crossroads High School for the Arts. He also studied acting at the Stella Adler Conservatory. He later graduated from UCLA with degrees in History and English.

Acting Career

First Roles and Early Movies

Sean Astin by John Mathew Smith
Astin in 1997

Sean Astin's first acting job was in a TV movie in 1981. It was called Please Don't Hit Me, Mom. He played an eight-year-old boy. His real-life mother, Patty Duke, played his mom in the film.

His first big movie role was at age 13. He played Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985). This movie is still very popular today.

After The Goonies, Sean appeared in many other films. These include Like Father Like Son (1987) and The War of the Roses (1989). He was also in the World War II film Memphis Belle (1990). In 1991, he starred in Toy Soldiers. He also played Dave Morgan in Encino Man (1992). One of his most famous early roles was playing Daniel Ruettiger in Rudy (1993). This movie is about a young man who dreams of playing college football.

In 1994, Sean directed a short film called Kangaroo Court. His wife, Christine Astin, helped produce it. The film was nominated for an Academy Award.

The Lord of the Rings Films

In the early 2000s, Sean Astin took on a huge role. He played Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. These movies are The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002), and The Return of the King (2003).

The Lord of the Rings movies won many awards. The last movie, The Return of the King, won eleven Academy Awards. This included Best Picture. Sean Astin himself won several awards for his role as Samwise. He became very good friends with the other actors, especially Elijah Wood. Sean's daughter, Alexandra, even appeared in the final scene of The Return of the King. She played his character's daughter, Elanor.

While making these movies, Sean also directed another short film. It was called The Long and Short of It. This film was shown at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival.

In 2004, Sean wrote a book about his acting journey. It was called There and Back Again. The book focused on his experiences making The Lord of the Rings. The title comes from J. R. R. Tolkien's book The Hobbit.

Recent Work

Sean Astin 1 crop
Astin at UIUC in 2009

After The Lord of the Rings, Sean Astin continued to act in movies and TV shows. He appeared in comedies like 50 First Dates and Click with Adam Sandler.

On television, he played Lynn McGill in ten episodes of the show 24. He also appeared in shows like Monk and My Name Is Earl. Sean also directed an episode of the TV series Angel in 2003.

Sean Astin has also done a lot of voice-over work. He narrated the show Meerkat Manor for Animal Planet. He voiced the main character in Special Agent Oso. This show aired on Playhouse Disney and Disney Junior. He also voiced Kodi in Balto III: Wings of Change. From 2012 to 2017, he voiced Raphael in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series on Nickelodeon.

In 2010, Sean and his wife, Christine, started working on a film. It is based on Lois Lowry's award-winning book Number the Stars. They bought the rights to the book and planned to direct and produce the movie themselves.

In 2014, Sean played a soldier in Boys of Abu Ghraib. He also joined the cast of the FX show The Strain as Jim Kent. In 2015, he played Hank Erwin in the movie Woodlawn. This film tells the story of a high school football team that overcame racism.

In 2017, Sean Astin played Bob Newby in the second season of Stranger Things. This role made him very popular with a new generation of fans. He appeared in flashback scenes in the third season too. In 2019, he was Dr. Greg Pemberton on The Big Bang Theory. He also had a guest role on Supergirl. That same year, he starred in the Netflix show No Good Nick as Ed. He also appeared in Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

In 2020, Sean joined Josh Gad's YouTube series Reunited Apart. This show brings together casts of famous films online. Sean reunited with his Lord of the Rings castmates and director Peter Jackson.

Sean narrated the 2023 comedy film Go West. In November 2024, Sean made his Broadway debut. He played Santa Claus in a new version of Elf the Musical.

Personal Life

Sean Astin married Christine Harrell on July 11, 1992. They have three daughters: Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Isabella. His daughter Alexandra had a small role in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. She played Elanor Gamgee, his character's daughter.

Sean has a special tattoo on his ankle. It says "nine" in the Tengwar script. This tattoo celebrates his role in Lord of the Rings. Seven other actors from the "Fellowship of the Ring" also have the same tattoo.

Sean is a Christian. He completed the Dopey Challenge at the Walt Disney World Resort in January 2015. This challenge involves running four races on four days. In October 2015, he also finished the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii. This is a very tough race that includes swimming, biking, and running.

Sean completed his master's degree in public administration and policy at American University. In 2024, American University gave him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree. He was also the main speaker at their graduation ceremony. In March 2025, Sean worked with LEGO to launch a special The Shire set. He appeared in a video building the set.

Public Service and Politics

Sean Astin has been involved in public service. From 1995 to 2005, he served as a Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army. He also served on the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Sean supports the Democratic Party. He has helped with political campaigns. He believes it's important to be involved in choosing leaders for the country. In September 2024, he encouraged California Governor Gavin Newsom to sign a bill about AI safety.

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1985 Goonies, TheThe Goonies Michael "Mikey" Walsh Film debut
1986 B.R.A.T. Patrol, TheThe B.R.A.T. Patrol Leonard Kinsey
1987 Like Father Like Son Clarence / Trigger
White Water Summer Alan
1989 War of the Roses, TheThe War of the Roses Josh Rose (age 17)
Staying Together Duncan McDermott
1990 Memphis Belle Sergeant Richard "Rascal" Moore
1991 Toy Soldiers William Tepper
Willies, TheThe Willies Michael
1992 Where the Day Takes You Greg
Encino Man Dave Morgan
1993 Rudy Daniel Ruettiger
1994 Teresa's Tattoo Step Brother Uncredited
Safe Passage Izzy Singer
1995 Low Life, TheThe Low Life Andrew
1996 Courage Under Fire Patella
1998 Boy Meets Girl Mike
Bulworth Gary
1999 Deterrence Ralph
Kimberly Bob
2000 Dish Dogs Morgan
Last Producer, TheThe Last Producer Bo Pomerantz
Icebreaker Matt Foster
Sky Is Falling, TheThe Sky Is Falling Mr. Schwartz
2001 Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, TheThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Samwise Gamgee
2002 Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, TheThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
2003 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, TheThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2004 Balto III: Wings of Change Kodi Voice
Elvis Has Left the Building Aaron
50 First Dates Doug Whitmore
2005 Smile Mike Matthews
Bigger Than the Sky Ken Zorbell
Slipstream Stuart Conway Direct-to-DVD
Marilyn Hotchkiss Ballroom Dancing & Charm School Kip Kipling
Borderland Randall
Love & Debate Coach Amal Direct-to-DVD
2006 What Love Is George Direct-to-VOD
Asterix and the Vikings Justforkix Voice, English dub
Click Bill
2007 Final Season, TheThe Final Season Kent Stock
My Wife Is Retarded Jeff Short film
2008 Forever Strong Marcus
Spirit of the Forest Furi Voice
2009 Stay Cool Big Girl Direct-to-VOD
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel Meerkat Manor Narrator Voice
2011 Demoted Mike Direct-to-VOD
2012 Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea Stuart Direct-to-DVD
2013 Freemason, TheThe Freemason Leon Weed Direct-to-DVD
2014 Justice League: War Shazam Voice
Boys of Abu Ghraib Staff Sergeant Tanner Direct-to-VOD
Cabin Fever: Patient Zero Porter Direct-to-DVD
Moms' Night Out Sean
Video Games: The Movie Narrator Documentary
Ribbit Ribbit Voice
Hero of Color City, TheThe Hero of Color City Horatio Voice
Surface, TheThe Surface Mitch Direct-to-VOD
Stan Lee's Mighty 7 Kid Kinergy Voice
2015 Justice League: Throne of Atlantis Shazam Voice
Do You Believe? Dr. Farell
Woodlawn Hank
Checkmate Dyson
2016 Do-Over, TheThe Do-Over Ted-O
Range 15 Grigsby
Unleashed Carl
2017 Bad Kids of Crestview Academy Headmaster Nash
Dead Ant Art
Espionage Tonight Sam Jacobson
Lears, TheThe Lears Tom Cornwall
2018 Gloria Bell Jeremy
2020 Adverse Frankie
Lego DC Shazam! Magic and Monsters Shazam Voice
2021 Hero Mode Jimmy
Charming the Hearts of Men George
2023 AD-X2 Controversy, TheThe AD-X2 Controversy Himself Documentary short
iMordecai Marvin
Go West Narrator
Hard Miles Speedy
The Shift Gabriel
Holiday Twist Whitmer
The Man in the White Van William
2024 Man and Witch: The Dance of a Thousand Steps Dog
2025 Love Hurts Cliff Cussick

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
1981 Please Don't Hit Me, Mom Brian Reynolds
1982 Rules of Marriage, TheThe Rules of Marriage Charlie Hagen
1985 O'Briens, TheThe O'Briens The Son
1986 B.R.A.T. Patrol, TheThe B.R.A.T. Patrol Leonard Kinsey
1995 Harrison Bergeron Harrison Bergeron Television film
2003 Angel N/A Director (episode: "Soulless")
2003–2004 Jeremiah Mister Smith Main role (season 2)
2004 Higglytown Heroes Pix the Elf Voice (1 episode)
Party Wagon Randall McDuff, Josiah Voice, television film
2005 Hercules Linus Main role
Into The West Martin Jarrett Miniseries
2005–2007 Meerkat Manor Narrator Seasons 1–3
2006 24 Lynn McGill Main role (Season 5)
2007 Masters of Science Fiction Charlie Kramer Episode: "Watchbird"
Monk Paul Buchanan Episode: "Mr. Monk Is At Your Service"
My Name Is Earl Salesman Episode: "Get a Real Job"
2008 Terry Pratchett's The Colour of Magic Twoflower Television film
Law & Order Pastor Hensley Episode: "Angelgrove"
2009–2012 Special Agent Oso Agent Oso Main role (60 episodes)
2011 Love's Christmas Journey Mayor Wayne Television film
2012 NCIS Tyler Elliot Episode: "The Tell"
Adopting Terror Tim Television film
Dorothy and the Witches of Oz Frack Miniseries
Hollywood Treasure Himself Episode: "Riddler Rudy and the Ruby Slippers"
Franklin & Bash Viper Episode: "Viper"
2012–2017 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael Voice
2013 Santa Switch Eddie Television film
2014 Strain, TheThe Strain Jim Kent Main role
2015, 2017 Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero Blaze Voice, 4 episodes
2015 Sofia the First Benngee Voice, 2 episodes
2016 Loud House, TheThe Loud House Loni Voice, episode: "One of the Boys"
Librarians, TheThe Librarians Kirby Goulding Episode: "And the Tears of a Clown"
2016–2018 Justice League Action Shazam Voice, 5 episodes
Bunnicula Chester Voice
2017–2019 Stranger Things Bob Newby 10 episodes
2018–2020 Epic Tales of Captain Underpants, TheThe Epic Tales of Captain Underpants Narrator
2019 Big Bang Theory, TheThe Big Bang Theory Dr. Pemberton 3 episodes
No Good Nick Ed Main role
Brooklyn Nine-Nine Sergeant Knox Episode: "Ticking Clocks"
2019–2020 Supergirl Pete Andrews 2 episodes
2020 New Looney Tunes Himself Voice, 3 episodes
2021 Jungledyret Hugo Hugo Voice
Playing with Power: The Nintendo Story Narrator
Scooby-Doo and Guess Who? Himself Voice, episode: "Returning of the Key Ring!"
2023 Perry Mason Sunny Gryce Season 2 (8 episodes)
2023–2025 Conners, TheThe Conners Tyler 8 episodes
2023 Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight Master Sloth Voice, 2 episodes
2024 A Nonsense Christmas with Sabrina Carpenter Himself/Santa Claus Netflix holiday special

Web series

Year Title Role
2015 Con Man Himself
2020 Wayward Guide for the Untrained Eye Lesly Stone
2023 Third Eye Frank

Video games

Year Title Role Notes
2002 Kingdom Hearts Hercules English version
2003 Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, TheThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Samwise Gamgee
2004 Men of Valor Pat 'Mouth' Hodges
2006 Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king, TheThe Lord of the Rings: The Battle for Middle-earth II: The Rise of the Witch-king Samwise Gamgee
2010 Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest, TheThe Lord of the Rings: Aragorn's Quest
2012 Lego The Lord of the Rings Archive recordings
2013 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Raphael
2015 Lego Dimensions Samwise Gamgee
2016 Minecraft: Story Mode Reginald
2024 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Wrath of the Mutants Raphael

Awards and Nominations

Year Association Category Work Result Ref.
1985 Young Artist Awards Best Starring Performance by a Young Actor – Motion Picture The Goonies Won
1989 Young Artist Awards Best Young Actor Starring in a Motion Picture Staying Together Won
1991 Young Artist Awards Outstanding Young Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture Toy Soldiers Nominated
1994 Academy Awards Best Live Action Short Film Kangaroo Court Nominated
2001 Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Nominated
2002 MTV Movie Awards MTV Movie Award for Best On-Screen Team (shared with Elijah Wood and Gollum/Andy Serkis) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Won
Visual Effects Society Best Performance by an Actor in an Effects Film (shared with Elijah Wood and Andy Serkis) The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Won
Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Nominated
2003 Chicago Film Critics Association Best Supporting Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Nominated
National Board of Review Best Cast The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Saturn Awards Best Supporting Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Visual Effects Society Outstanding Male or Female Actor The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Won
Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Best Ensemble The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Nominated
2014 Utah Film Awards Best Actor The Freemason Won
2017 Screen Actors Guild Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series Stranger Things Nominated
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