Sean Astin, who starred in ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Rudy,’ is elected as SAG-AFTRA’s new president

LOS ANGELES (AP) – The union that represents tens of thousands of actors and other entertainer and media professionals has elected Sean Astin as its new president. On Friday, SAG-AFTRA elected Astin – who starred in “Rudy” and “The Lord of the Rings,” among other roles – to succeed Fran Drescher as its president.

Astin is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke. He defeated Chuck Slavin in a 79% to 21% vote. Michelle Hurd was elected secretary-treasurer.

Sean Astin attends the premiere of “The Choral” at Roy Thomson Hall during the Toronto International Film Festival on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025, in Toronto. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello)

SAG-AFTRA brings together Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists and represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, program hosts and others.

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