“Lord of teh rings” Actor Sean Astin Elected President of SAG-AFTRA
LOS ANGELES, CA – Sean Astin, best known for his role as samwise Gamgee in “the Lord of the Rings” trilogy, has been elected president of the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the powerful union representing approximately 160,000 performers. Astin secured just over 20 percent of the vote, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The election marks a transition in leadership following the departure of Fran Drescher and comes as the union prepares for critical contract negotiations in 2026.
The election of Astin, alongside michelle Hurd as Treasurer, signals a commitment to continuity built on the momentum of the historic 2023 actors’ strike. The outcome positions SAG-AFTRA to navigate ongoing industry upheaval driven by technological advancements and evolving economic models, impacting the livelihoods of actors across film, television, and new media.Astin and Hurd both previously served on the SAG-AFTRA board and were integral to the negotiating committee during last year’s work stoppage.
Promptly following his win, Astin expressed optimism and a dedication to member representation. “Now is the time for optimism and creativity,” he stated, adding, “I am thrilled that the membership has allowed me to led our historic organization out of this challenging moment and into a future defined by trust, progress, and uncompromising advocacy.”
Michelle Hurd, known for her role in “Star Trek: Picard,” won the Treasurer position with approximately 65 percent of the vote, defeating Peter antico. Hurd pledged to “protect and grow” the union’s resources, acknowledging the industry’s transitional period but expressing confidence in its ability to overcome challenges.
Fran Drescher, the outgoing president known for her role in “the Nanny,” did not seek re-election.Astin and Hurd’s platform centers on key priorities including bringing production back to the United States, improving access to healthcare and pension plans, and strengthening protections against the use of artificial intelligence.
The newly elected leadership faces an immediate timeline, with preparations already underway for contract negotiations set to begin before the current SAG-AFTRA contract expires on June 30, 2026. This will be the first return to the bargaining table since the landmark 2023 strike that brought Hollywood to a standstill.
The Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, representing studios and streaming services, released a statement welcoming the election results. “We look forward to working with President Astin to address the key concerns of SAG-AFTRA performers while fostering stability and opportunity in our industry,” the organization said.