Birth name Sean Patrick Astin
Height 5' 7" (1.70 m)
Mini biography Sean Patrick Astin was born February 25, 1971 in Santa Monica, California to John Astin (famous for playing Gomez on "_"The Addams Family" (1964)_ " among other things) and Patty Duke, both actors. He was their first child, but when Sean was two his brother Mackenzie was born (he also became an actor). They also have three older half brothers, David, Allen and Tom, who belong to their father. Sean was literally brought up on acting due to his famous parents. Although you may think that his first acting job was in Goonies, The (1985), it wasn't. In 1981, at age 9, Sean starred with his mother in the after school special Please Don't Hit Me Mom. Goonies, The (1985) followed and since then he has had a steady stream of good roles. Sean attended Crossroads High School for the Arts. He has also studied with the famous Stella Adler. Of course, we all know that starring in a teen comedy is almost inevitable for a young actor. Sean was no exception. In 1987 he co-starred with another teen heartthrob, Kirk Cameronin 'Like Father, Like Son (1987)'. A few very good movies followed, including 'Toy Soldiers (1991)' and 'Where the Day Takes You (1992)'. More recently Sean has starred in 'Rudy (1993)' and the Showtime movie '_Harrison Bergeron (1995)_ '. But his career in film has expanded much further than just acting. He directed and co-produced the short film 'Kangaroo Court (1994)' which was nominated in the Best Short Film category at the 67th Annual Academy Awards in 1995. Interestingly enough, Sean's father was nominated for the same award in 1969. Sean is now married to Christine Astin, who co-produced 'Kangaroo Court (1994)' with him. The couple live in Los Angeles. Even though he's a successful director, he's not about to give up acting.
Daughter born: Alexandra Louise [27 November 1996]
Brother of actor 'MacKenzie Astin'
Has three other half brothers: David, Allen and Tom
Son of actor John Astin and actress Patty Duke.
Left the room halfway during recording DVD commentary for Goonies, The (1985) and never returned. The recording session started late, and Sean had an earlier commitment to introduce friend Joe Pantoliano who was M.C.'ing at a local theatre. Left the recording studio to change clothes, then returned to explain why he had to leave, give a "shout out to Joey Pants," and left an action figure of Sam Gamgee to take his place. However, the departure and explanation were edited out by the DVD producers.
His biological father is actually Michael Tell, whom Patty Duke was married to for only a month in 1970. Sean was adopted at age 3 by John Astin, but considers both men to be his father.
Graduated from UCLA with honors & a B.A. in History & English.
On 4 December 2001, Sean had his image as "Samwise Gamgee" immortalized on a 90 cent New Zealand postage stamp that he shares with Lord of the Rings co-star Elijah Wood ('Frodo Baggins'). However, Sean's last name is spelled incorrectly on the presentation pack of the stamps (Austin instead of Astin).
August 6 2002, welcomed second child daughter Elizabeth Louise.
During principal photography for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Astin directed trilogy director Peter Jackson and fellow cast members in a documentary short about cameraderie and friendship within difficult working environments. This topic mirrored a significant theme of the trilogy.
Had to gain 35 to 40 pounds for his role of Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
In February 2003, Sean was appointed to the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation.
Announced at the Texas Film Festival on 22 February 2003 that he has optioned the book "Issac's Storm" and is planning on shooting an epic film centered around the Galveston Hurricane of 1900.
While filming LOTR: The Fellowship of the Ring, Samwise Gamgee (Sean Astin) ran into a lake to stop Frodo (Elijah Wood). When he did this he stepped on a piece of glass and had to be rushed to the hospital. He received many stitches to repair the injury.
Appeared at Wizard World signing autographs on August 9 2003
Started his own production company, Lava Entertainment, in the late '80s.
Attended Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California with actor/musician Jack Black. Was cast in a school play/film when Black backed out.
Personal quotes
"I was told I had to gain a lot of weight because Hobbits are very portly. Peter is forever suggesting I have more food. 'A little more food for Mr. Astin.'""But I'm not really Sam... Nobody could be that good, that noble. He's just better than the rest of us. I'm a lot more Hollywood than Sam would ever be." [refuting the remarks of cast and crew that Sean IS Samwise Gamgee]
"I'd never heard of The Lord of the Rings, actually. So I went to the bookstore and there it was, three shelves of books about Tolkien and Middle-earth, and I was like, 'Holy cow, what else am I missing out on?'"
