Sean Patrick Astin is an American actor, voice actor, screenwriter, director, producer, family man, author, marathon runner, political activist, and philanthropist. He was born Sean Patrick Duke on February 25, 1971, in Santa Monica, California, to actress Patty Duke and music promoter Michael Tell. Sean was raised by his stepfather, actor John Astin, whom he took his surname from.
Astin began his acting career at a young age, starring alongside his mother in the after-school special "Please Don't Hit Me, Mom" (1981). He then went on to appear in films such as "The Goonies" (1985),"Toy Soldiers" (1991),and "Rudy" (1993),which earned him critical acclaim.
In the early 2000s, Astin gained widespread recognition for his role as Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. He received numerous awards and nominations for his performance, including the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his acting career, Astin is also an accomplished voice actor. He has voiced characters in animated series, cartoons, animated movies, anime dubs, and video games. He has also narrated several documentaries and series, including "Meerkat Manor" and "The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants."
Astin is a long-distance runner and has completed numerous marathons, including the Boston Marathon and the New York City Marathon. He is also a philanthropist and has supported several charitable causes, including the National Center for Family Literacy and the Los Angeles Valley College's Patrons Association and Arts Council.
In his personal life, Astin is married to Christine Astin and has three daughters, Alexandra, Elizabeth, and Isabella. He is also a vocal advocate for mental health awareness and has spoken publicly about his own struggles with depression.
