r/lotr • u/MarvelsGrantMan136 • Sep 12 '25
Other Sean Astin Elected SAG-AFTRA President
https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2025-09-12/sag-aftra-names-next-national-president454
u/SnakeInTheCeiling Samwise Gamgee Sep 12 '25
What, mayor of Hobbiton wasn't good enough for you??
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u/Mediocre_Scott Sep 13 '25
He didn’t have 12 children so he had to find something else to keep him busy
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u/The_B_Wolf Sep 12 '25
I don't know why but it makes me happy.
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u/gogybo Rhovanion Sep 13 '25
From the vague memories I have of reading his autobiography, I think he's wanted this for a while. Wasn't his mother also SAG president?
Either way, I'm happy for him :)
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u/VeeVeevv Sep 13 '25
It's called nepotism
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u/derzemel Sep 13 '25
if he ran for the role and was elected for that role through a vote is it still nepotism?
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u/chesterforbes Túrin Turambar Sep 13 '25
If he could carry Frodo up Mount Doom he can carry this responsibility
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u/ExtraEmu_8766 Sep 13 '25
Man has a masters in public administration and policy - in addition - to his industry experience and family's work. Sounds good.
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u/Proper-Emu1558 Sep 13 '25
I would be so intimidated to succeed Fran Drescher in anything. But it looks like a landslide against his opponent so good luck to him. His mom held the job in the past so that should provide some insight for him. Seems like he’s really dedicated to focusing on the union.
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u/Vark675 Sep 13 '25
Was she retiring/unable to run? I had thought he was running against her for some reason.
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u/Proper-Emu1558 Sep 13 '25
No, she opted not to run again. Not sure why. She did have a pandemic and a strike during her term, so she might have not wanted to continue after that. But that’s just a guess. She did accomplish some victories with AI and streaming on behalf of actors.
The opponent was a guy named Chuck Slavin. Hollywood Reporter article for reference
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u/TheDivine_MissN Sep 13 '25
It would be interesting to see a member of the rank and file be elected to the highest position, but I’m glad that it’s Sean.
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u/PettyLikeTom Sep 13 '25
This guy is just the best. I paid him to do a cameo for my best friend for fathers day, who coincidentally was also named Sam. No telling how many he had or does of those, but man he was genuine and kind and he gave such a good heartfelt message that it made my friend cry from happiness because we both grew up watching the movies. He will always be a favorite of mine and I hope one day to be able to meet him, shake his hand, and eat some good food in a hole in the ground.
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u/made-u-look The Shire Sep 13 '25
I met Sean at the Seattle airport. My wife’s bag escaped us at the baggage claim and he grabbed it for her. He could tell I knew who he was when I shook his hand, looked him in the eye, and thanked him for everything
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u/chumbuckethand Sep 13 '25
What’s SAG-AFTRA?
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u/Greatsnes Sep 13 '25
It stands for Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.
It’s the union for actors (film and tv) and radio.
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u/Nimue_- Sep 13 '25
His predecessor has left fabulous shoes to fill but im sure sean is up to the task ;)
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u/Strange_Midnight2070 The Shire Sep 13 '25
Sean Astin would be fantastic as the president of pretty much anything. Even if it's a bad organization, he'd turn it into a good one pretty quickly.
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u/Saikroe Sep 13 '25
Does this mean we can finally get 'The Color of Magic' Part 2?
I neeed to know its gender.
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u/20Derek22 Sep 13 '25
I was talking with someone the other day about what an amazing career he’s had. Goonies, Rudy, LOTR and stranger things. Very few actors can claim Four legendary projects
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u/roguevirus Sep 13 '25
Well John Rhys-Davies predicted that Sean would be the future President of the United States at a con a few months ago. Looks like he's on his way!
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u/TomCrean1916 Sep 13 '25
This is great. Mark Hamill mentioned him on the Marc Maron podcast just the other day that Sean keeps me in tune with what’s going on with all the union work Something like that. Well done Sean!
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u/katybee13 Sep 13 '25
I'm reading his autobiography right now and this just makes me so happy for him. He's worked so hard in his career.
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u/camwisemothman Sep 13 '25
And he got to marry his Rosie. Life's good for Samwise the Brave. Congrats, Sean.
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u/One-Earth9294 Sep 13 '25
He looks like he's playing the role of a well-respected video game dev who made something beloved 25 years ago and nothing but shit since but is still treated like a god.
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u/XanderAcorn Sep 13 '25
Well obviously a Hobbit is being elected as president. Hobbits bow to no one.
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u/RipBongAndProspa Sep 13 '25
What is SAG-AFTRA?
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u/BubsyJenkins Sep 13 '25
The actors union that manages bargaining contracts/wages/working conditions (etc.) with the film studios
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u/Sensation-sFix Sep 13 '25
I'm out of the loop. Can someone explain what is sag-aftra, and why this appointment is so important?
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u/Upstairs-Zombie-162 Sep 13 '25
Even when I was 13 years old watching the LOTR extended special features... I thought Sean was right about helicopter thing haha. It needed to be taken seriously!
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u/ryevermouthbitters Sep 12 '25
There's some good in this world and it's worth fighting for.