The Oscar-nominated star succeeds actress Fran Drescher as the media union’s president.
Oscar-nominated actor Sean Astin, best known for portraying Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s live-action “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has a new role to play after being elected the new president of the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
On Sept. 12, the labor union, which represents roughly 160,000 entertainment and media professionals, including actors, recording artists, and stunt performers, announced that Astin, 54, had won the guild’s 2025 national officers election by a landslide.
Astin, who also starred in the 1985 adventure film “The Goonies” and the 1993 biographical sports drama “Rudy,” defeated actor Chuck Slavin by more than 10,000 votes, online results show.
Astin will serve a two-year term, succeeding actress Fran Drescher.
“The Nanny” star, who became its president in September 2021 and was later reelected for a second term, was instrumental in guiding SAG-AFTRA through Hollywood’s historic 2023 strike.
“Now is a time for optimism and creativity,” Astin shared in a statement.
“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.”
The actor went on to express gratitude to his wife of 33 years, Christine, and their three daughters—Ali, 28; Elizabeth, 23; and Isabella, 20—for their love and support.
“I am the first, second generation president of our union,” he added. “My mother, Patty Duke, modeled for me the awesome responsibility of caring for every member of our union. I’m excited to get to work.”
