Sean Patrick Astin, born on February 25, 1971, is a renowned American actor celebrated for his memorable performances as Mikey Walsh in The Goonies (1985), the determined Rudy Ruettiger in Rudy (1993), and the loyal Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003). Over a career spanning more than 40 years, Astin has also worked as a director, producer, author, and activist, often portraying characters known for their resilience and heart.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Sean Patrick Astin (né Duke) |
| Date of Birth | February 25, 1971 |
| Place of Birth | Santa Monica, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Spouse | Christine Harrell (married 1992) |
| Children | Three daughters: Alexandra Louise, Elizabeth Louise, Isabella Louise |
| Occupations | Actor, Director, Producer, Writer, Activist, Marathon Runner |
| Net Worth | Estimated around $10 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Santa Monica, California, Sean Astin is the son of actress Patty Duke and music promoter Michael Tell, though he was raised by his stepfather, actor John Astin, from whom he took his surname.
Astin began acting early, appearing alongside his mother in the 1981 TV special Please Don’t Hit Me, Mom.
Astin attended Crossroads High School for the Arts and studied acting under Stella Adler, balancing his education with his budding career and involvement in youth sports.
Career
Sean Astin’s acting career began with his breakthrough role as Mikey in the beloved adventure film The Goonies (1985), which earned him early recognition and a Young Artist Award.
He continued to build his reputation with notable performances in Staying Together (1989) and Toy Soldiers (1991). His portrayal of Rudy Ruettiger in the inspirational sports drama Rudy (1993) marked his transition into adult leading roles.
In 1994, Astin directed and co-produced the short film Kangaroo Court, which was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. However, his most iconic role came as Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003), earning him critical acclaim and a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Following this success, Astin appeared in a variety of films including 50 First Dates (2004) and Click (2006), and lent his voice to Raphael in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series (2012–2017).
On television, he gained attention for his role as Bob Newby in the second season of Stranger Things (2017), a character he reprised in flashback scenes during the show’s third season in 2019.
In 2019, Astin expanded his television presence by playing Dr. Greg Pemberton in several episodes of The Big Bang Theory, guest-starring in the fifth season of Supergirl, appearing in the sixth season of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and starring as Ed in the Netflix dramedy No Good Nick.
In 2023, Astin narrated Go West, a comedy film produced by JK Studios featuring the original cast of the sketch comedy show Studio C.
Demonstrating his versatility, he made his Broadway debut as Santa Claus in a revival of Elf the Musical at the Marquis Theatre, which ran from November 2024 to January 2025.
Throughout his career, Astin has also authored the memoir There and Back Again: An Actor’s Tale (2004), sharing his experiences during the filming of The Lord of the Rings and insights into his life in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Sean Astin is married to Christine Harrell, and together they have children.
He comes a family of actors, including his mother Patty Duke and brother MacKenzie Astin. Outside of acting, Sean is an avid marathon runner, political activist, and philanthropist.
Net Worth
Sean Astin’s net worth is estimated at approximately $10 million, accumulated through his extensive work in acting, directing, producing, and writing.
Selected Filmography
- The Goonies (1985) as Mikey Walsh
- Toy Soldiers (1991) as Billy Tepper
- Rudy (1993) as Daniel Ruettiger
- Kangaroo Court (1994) – Director/Producer (short film)
- The Lord of the Rings trilogy (2001–2003) as Samwise Gamgee
- 50 First Dates (2004) as Doug Whitmore
- Click (2006) as Bill
- Stranger Things Season 2 (2017) as Bob Newby
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012–2017) – Voice of Raphael
Awards and Nominations
- Screen Actors Guild Award (ensemble cast for The Lord of the Rings)
- Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor (The Lord of the Rings)
- Two Young Artist Awards (The Goonies and Toy Soldiers)
- Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film (Kangaroo Court, 1995)
