Celebrity Encounters - Sean Astin

by Maria Ingmire

Many of my celebrity encounters have happened at Dragon Con, but my Lord of the Rings fandom has put me in proximity with some cast members on multiple occasions. 

When Sean Astin was a guest at Dragon Con in 2010, I chatted with him about the Return of the King parade in New Zealand. I had traveled there in 2003 on a Red Carpet Tour, and showed him this distant picture I snapped of him on the streets of Wellington that day. 

At length, we chatted about the expansive beauty of New Zealand. Interesting how fandom has broadened my horizons and given me experiences I never could have imagined. That trip to New Zealand changed my life, and not just because of Tolkien. 

My second encounter with Sean was at a One Ring Convention in Pasadena where I got this photo op. He’s one of the most approachable celebrities I’ve ever met. He makes eye contact and seems genuinely interested in whatever you say.

Sean Astin is not your ordinary former child star.

Sean is truly down to earth and friendly with fans, and he often speaks about normal things like family and parenting when fans go up to his table. His panel really showcases his personality in this Dragon Con video clip. 

My question starts at about the 12:05 mark in part 2 of the panel videos, where I ask him about why he turned out to be so normal even after being a child actor.  

He’s refreshingly honest about his parents, Hollywood veterans John Astin and Patty Duke, in his answer which concludes in part 3 of these video clips of that panel.

It’s obvious when speaking with Sean, that he knows that he might always be best known for his portrayal of Samwise Gamgee, and he embraces that. In fact, he appreciates any fans whether they love him best as Sam, as Rudy, or as Mikey from The Goonies. Trust me, not every actor who comes to a convention wants to be there, but Sean Astin is one of the most gracious celebrities I’ve ever met.