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Sean Astin (born Sean Patrick DukeHe was born under his mother's surname, according to the State of California. California Birth Index, 1905-1995. Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, Sacramento, California. At Ancestry.com on February 25, 1971) is an American film actor, director, and Oscar nominated producer, most famous for his role as Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of The Rings film series.

Biography

Early life

Astin was born in Santa Monica, California. He is the son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin, although his biological father is Michael Tell, a music promoter of Jewish heritage who divorced Patty Duke shortly before her marriage to Astin. At the time of his birth, it was widely assumed that his biological father was Desi Arnaz, Jr., although this has been stated as incorrect. Sean is the older brother of Mackenzie Astin, also an actor (in The Facts of Life).

Film and television career

Astin has gained much of his acting fame from several major roles. At age 13, he debuted on the silver screen as Mikey in The Goonies (1985). He had a small role in 1989's The War of the Roses and in 1993 got a memorable part as the title character in Rudy. Astin recently played Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He also played the brother of Lucy (Drew Barrymore) in the Adam Sandler film 50 First Dates. He provided the voice for Balto's son, Kodi in the third direct-to-video sequel of Balto.

In 1994, he directed and co-produced (with his wife, Christine) the Academy Award nominated short film Kangaroo Court.

In 1995, he starred in the Showtime sci-fi film Harrison Bergeron, an adaptation of the short story by Kurt Vonnegut. In this futuristic film, the world focuses on the belief "All men are not created equal. It is the purpose of the Government to make them so." The titular character, Harrison, is smarter than his peers and is unaffected by the standard technology used to handicap all Americans so everyone is of equal ability.

While working on The Two Towers he persuaded a number of fellow cast and crew members, including director Peter Jackson, to act in or work as crew on his short film, The Long and Short of It (2003), which takes place on a street in Wellington, New Zealand. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, 2003, and appears on the "standard edition" DVD of The Two Towers as an extra feature together with a "making of" video.

Astin appeared as Lynn McGill in the fifth season of the FOX drama 24 and the first season of the NBC Show Las Vegas, as a gambler who wins one million dollars and his wife and best friend wants to take it away from him.

He also had a role in Adam Sandler's 2006 film Click.

Astin is also the narrator of the US version of Meerkat Manor, shown on the Discovery Channel owned channel Animal Planet.

Personal life

Astin married Christine Harrell on July 11, 1992. They have three daughters, Alexandra (b. November 27, 1996), Elizabeth (b. August 6, 2002) and Isabella (b. July 22, 2005), all with the same middle name of Louise.

His book There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale (2004, ISBN 0-312-33146-0), co-written by Joe Layden, is an account of his experiences before, during and after filming the Lord of the Rings movies. The title is derived from the subtitle of The Hobbit by Lord of the Rings author J. R. R. Tolkien. He jumped at the chance to work in New Zealand again in 2004, as the mythical "Linus", tutor of Hercules, in Robert Halmi Senior's Hallmark sponsored remake.

Education

• Graduated with honors from UCLA with B.A.s in History and English (American Literature and Culture).
• Alumnus of and now serves on the Board of Directors of the Patrons Association and the Arts Council for Los Angeles Valley College.
• Crossroads High School for the Arts.
• Participated in master classes at the Stella Adler Conservatory in Los Angeles.

Filmography

Films Sean Astin acted in:

References

Footnotes

Web sites

• Sean Astin's official home page
• Sean Astin Gallery
• Sean Astin

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