Sean Astin Leads SAG-AFTRA, Honors Actor Family

Sean Astin stepped onto the stage at the Actor Awards for his first official appearance as the new SAG-AFTRA president. He succeeded Fran Drescher in the role after being elected this past September. Astin took the opportunity to celebrate the union members present and to pay tribute to his own family's deep roots in acting and union membership.

Astin mentioned his father, John Astin, his late mother, Academy Award winner Patty Duke, and his children, Ali, Elizabeth, and Isabella, noting five family members are union members. He underscored the union's commitment to its members, stating, "Solidarity carried us through a very hard time." Astin also confirmed the union is "back in negotiations with the AMPTP" to achieve a fair deal.

He explained the union's goal is to ensure members have a "fighting chance to provide for themselves and for their families." Astin also stressed the importance of working in an environment that "respects our dignity and the lives and health of our colleagues." Michelle Hurd was also elected Secretary-Treasurer alongside Astin.