Sean Patrick Astin was born February 25, 1971 in Santa Monica, California to John Astin (famous for playing Gomez on The Addams Family among other things) and Patty Duke, both actors. He was their first child, but when Sean was two his brother Mackenzie was born (he also became an actor). They also have three older half brothers, David, Allen and Tom, who belong to their father. Sean was literally brought up on acting due to his famous parents. Although you may think that his first acting job was in The Goonies, it wasn't. In 1981, at age 9, Sean starred with his mother in the after school special Please Don't Hit Me, Mom. The Goonies followed and since then he has had a steady stream of good roles. Sean attended Crossroads High School for the Arts. He has also studied with the famous Stella Adler. Of course, we all know that starring in a teen comedy is almost inevitable for a young actor. Sean was no exception. In 1987 he co-starred with another teen heartthrob, Kirk Cameron in Like Father Like Son. A few very good movies followed, including Toy Soldiers and Where the Day Takes You. More recently Sean has starred in Rudy and the Showtime movie Harrison Bergeron. But his career in film has expanded much further than just acting. He directed and co-produced the short film Kangaroo Court which was nominated in the Best Short Film category at the 67th Annual Academy Awards in 1995. Interestingly enough, Sean's father was nominated for the same award in 1969. Sean is now married to Christine Astin, who co-produced Kangaroo Court with him. The couple live in Los Angeles. Even though he's a successful director, he's not about to give up acting.


Daughter born: Alexandra Astin. [27 November 1996] Has three other half brothers: David, Allen and Tom. 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. Graduated from UCLA with honors & a B.A. in History & English. August 6, 2002, welcomed second child daughter Elizabeth Louise. Had to gain 35 to 40 pounds for his role of Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. 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. Appeared at Wizard World signing autographs on August 9, 2003. Attended Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California, with actor/musician Jack Black. Was cast in a school play/film when Black backed out. Calls four people "Dad": John Astin, Desi Arnaz Jr., Mike Tell and Mike Pearce (his step-father). 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. Nephew of Ray Duke. July 22, 2005, welcomed third child, daughter Isabella Louise at 5lb 4oz. She was a month premature Attended the same elementary school as Camilla Belle, Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton. 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. 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). 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).