Name: Sean Astin
Date of Birth: 25 February 1971 Daughter born: Alexandra Astin. [27 November 1996] Brother of actor Mackenzie Astin. Has three other half brothers: David, Allen and Tom. Son of Michael Tell and actress Patty Duke. Left the room halfway during recording DVD commentary for The Goonies (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 less than 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 camaraderie 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 The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Astin (as Samwise Gamgee) 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 1980s. Attended Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California, with actor/musician Jack Black. Was cast in a school play/film when Black backed out. Wanted to direct Fantastic Four (2005) at one point. Calls four people "Dad": John Astin, Desi Arnaz Jr., Mike Tell and Mike Pearce (his step-father). September 2004 - Attended the Armaggeddon Pulp Culture Expo Convention in Wellington, New Zealand, as a Lord of the Rings guest. Is the second actor from a "Lord of the Rings" adaptation to have a relative in an Addams Family adaptation. His father, John Astin, played Gomez on "The Addams Family" (1964). John Huston, who voiced Gandalf in the animated version of The Return of the King (1980) (TV), is the father of Anjelica Huston, who played Morticia in the films. The title of his autobiography, "There and Back Again," is actually the alternate title for "The Hobbit" and, in the story, is the title of Bilbo Baggins' autobiography. Nephew of Ray Duke. He is a Verizon Literacy Champion and the National Center for Family Literacy celebrity spokesperson. July 22, 2005, welcomed third child, daughter Isabella Louise at 5lb 4oz. She was a month premature In The Goonies (1985), his character cries out "Holy Mackenzie!" His brother is Mackenzie Astin. He claimed he was allowed to keep the treasure map used in the film. However, the map was lost forever when his mother discovered it several years later, thought it was just a crinkled piece of paper, and threw it in the trash. Attended the same elementary school as Camilla Belle, Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton. He and his father, John Astin, have both appeared in a Best Picture winner. Sean appeared in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) and John appeared in West Side Story (1961). Because Sean's mother is bi-polar, Sean is very active in trying to educate and help the public with identifying and treating mental disorders. Believed that Desi Arnaz Jr. was his biological father until they both blood tested in 1990. Michael Tell turned out to be his real father. Has hit bad guys over the head with a frying pan in two different movies: as Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and also as Billy Tepper in Toy Soldiers (1991). Gave the 2008 commencement address at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, along with Kent Stock, Luther alum, whose story Sean depicted in The Final Season (2007). Keith Coogan is the grandson of Jackie Coogan who played Uncle Fester in "The Addams Family" (1964). Sean Astin is the son of John Astin who played Gomez Addams in "The Addams Family" (1964). Keith Coogan and Sean Astin played friends in Toy Soldiers (1991). Read more Sean Astin movies (actor)User Comments |
