Appeared at Wizard World signing autographs on August 9 2003

Eyes are hazel, yet tend to change from brown to green depending on what he wears.

Wanted to direct Fantastic Four (2005) at one point.

September 2004 - Attended the Armaggeddon Pulp Culture Expo Convention in Wellington, New Zealand as a Lord of the Rings guest

Started his own production company, Lava Entertainment, in the late '80s.

Nephew of Ray Duke.

Gave the 2008 commencement address at Luther College, Decorah, Iowa, along with Kent Stock, Luther alum, whose story Sean depicted in The Final Season (2007).

Has hit bad guys over the head with a frying pan in two different movies: as Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001) and also as Billy Tepper in Toy Soldiers (1991).

Believed that Desi Arnaz Jr. was his biological father until they both blood tested in 1990. Michael Tell turned out to be his real father.

Because Sean`s mother is bi-polar, Sean is very active in trying to educate and help the public with identifying and treating mental disorders.

He and his father, John Astin, have both appeared in a Best Picture winner. Sean appeared in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003) and John appeared in West Side Story (1961).

Attended the same elementary school as Camilla Belle, Nicky Hilton and Paris Hilton.

In The Goonies (1985), his character cries out "Holy Mackenzie!". His brother is Mackenzie Astin. He claimed he was allowed to keep the treasure map used in the film. However, the map was lost forever when his mother discovered it several years later, thought it was just a crinkled piece of paper, and threw it in the trash.

July 22, 2005, welcomed third child, daughter Isabella Louise at 5lb 4oz. She was a month premature

He is a Verizon Literacy Champion and the National Center for Family Literacy celebrity spokesperson.

The title of his autobiography, "There and Back Again", is actually the alternate title for "The Hobbit", and, in the story, is the title of Bilbo Baggins` autobiography.

Attended Crossroads High School in Santa Monica, California with actor/musician Jack Black. Was cast in a school play/film when Black backed out.

While filming The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), Astin (as Samwise Gamgee) ran into a lake to stop Frodo (Elijah Wood). When he did this, he stepped on a piece of glass and had to be rushed to the hospital. He received many stitches to repair the injury.

Announced at the Texas Film Festival on 22 February 2003 that he has optioned the book "Issac`s Storm" and is planning on shooting an epic film centered around the Galveston Hurricane of 1900.

In February 2003, Sean was appointed to the President`s Council on Service and Civic Participation.

Had to gain 35 to 40 pounds for his role of Samwise `Sam` Gamgee in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

During principal photography for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Astin directed trilogy director Peter Jackson and fellow cast members in a documentary short about camaraderie and friendship within difficult working environments. This topic mirrored a significant theme of the trilogy.

August 6 2002, welcomed second child daughter Elizabeth Louise.

On 4 December 2001, Sean had his image as "Samwise Gamgee" immortalized on a 90 cent New Zealand postage stamp that he shares with "Lord of the Rings" co-star Elijah Wood (`Frodo Baggins`). However, Sean`s last name is spelled incorrectly on the presentation pack of the stamps (Austin instead of Astin).

Graduated from UCLA with honors & a B.A. in History & English.

His biological father is actually Michael Tell, whom Patty Duke was married to for only a month in 1970. Sean was adopted at age 3 by John Astin, but considers both men to be his father.

Left the room halfway during recording DVD commentary for The Goonies (1985) and never returned. The recording session started late, and Sean had an earlier commitment to introduce friend Joe Pantoliano who was M.C.`ing at a local theatre. Left the recording studio to change clothes, then returned to explain why he had to leave, give a "shout out to Joey Pants," and left an action figure of Sam Gamgee to take his place. However, the departure and explanation were edited out by the DVD producers.

Son of actor John Astin and actress Patty Duke.

Has three other half brothers: David, Allen and Tom

Brother of actor Mackenzie Astin

Daughter born: Alexandra Astin. [27 November 1996]

Spouse: Christine Astin (11 July 1992 - present) 3 children