Sean Astin becomes president of SAG-AFTRA union
- Sean Astin has been elected as the president of SAG-AFTRA, succeeding Fran Drescher.
- The election saw Astin win with 79% of the votes, and Michelle Hurd was elected as secretary-treasurer.
- Astin aims to steer the union towards optimism, creativity, and strong advocacy for its members.
On September 13, 2025, Sean Astin, a well-known actor renowned for his roles in "The Lord of the Rings" and "Goonies," was elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA, a significant union representing actors and media professionals. Astin, whose mother, Patty Duke, had previously served as SAG president from 1985 to 1988, expressed his gratitude and commitment toward the union in a statement upon his election. He succeeded Fran Drescher, who stepped down after four years in the role, underscoring a shift in leadership. The election process witnessed Astin defeating Chuck Slavin by a substantial margin of 79% to 21%, indicating strong support from the union members. Alongside Astin, Michelle Hurd was elected as the new secretary-treasurer, highlighting a leadership lineup focused on collaboration. The election marks a new chapter for SAG-AFTRA as the union continues to navigate an evolving media landscape. Astin expressed optimism about leading the union through challenging times and emphasized a vision defined by progress and advocacy for all members. He acknowledged the influence of his mother’s legacy on his approach to the position and highlighted the importance of representing every member's interests faithfully. This leadership change comes at a time when the union has faced significant challenges, including recent strikes involving film and television actors as well as performers engaged in video games and interactive media. In this new role, Sean Astin aims to reinforce the union's mission of protecting the rights and interests of its approximately 160,000 members, who include actors, dancers, broadcast journalists, and other related professionals. The result of the recent election reflects the union's desire for innovative leadership that can effectively advocate for its diverse membership. Astin's commitment to advocating for confidence, creativity, and collective strength within the organization signals a positive outlook for the future of SAG-AFTRA under his leadership.