Sean Astin Elected SAG-AFTRA President

Lead Sean Astin was elected national president of SAG-AFTRA on September 12 in a landslide victory, succeeding Fran Drescher as the performers’ union prepares for next year’s contract talks.

Nut Graf Best known for roles in The Goonies, Rudy and The Lord of the Rings, Astin secured 79% of votes cast in an election marked by low turnout. His leadership bid, backed by a cross-faction “Coalition,” emphasizes unity and readiness to tackle challenges such as artificial intelligence and overseas production shifts.

Astin’s Coalition Wins Big

• Defeated dissident candidate Chuck Slavin by 79% to 21% of the vote.
• Michelle Hurd elected secretary-treasurer alongside Astin, garnering roughly 65% support.

Continuing a Family Legacy Astin follows in the footsteps of his late mother, Patty Duke, who led the predecessor Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988. He pledged to honor her legacy by prioritizing fair residuals and strengthening health and pension benefits for all members.

Key Challenges Ahead Astin inherits a union of 160,000 performers facing:

• Upcoming Contract Negotiations: Talks with major studios begin in early 2026.
• AI Protections: Building on 2023 gains, the union aims to secure stronger safeguards against unauthorized AI use.
• Global Production Trends: Strategies to keep jobs and filming within the U.S.

Looking Forward “I’m ready to get to work,” Astin said. “Now is the time for optimism and fierce advocacy to ensure our members’ rights and livelihoods are protected”.