Film and television actor Sean Astin, best known for his portrayal of Samwise Sam Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and American working-class hero Rudy in the film “Rudy,” will visit PennWest Clarion Sept. 29. His visit is made possible through the Charles J. Shontz and Gladys S. Shontz Cultural Life Series. The day will include three presentations, including two that are open to the public, all in the auditorium of Marwick-Boyd Fine Arts Center.

Astin launched his acting career with the 1981 television movie “Please Don’t Hit Me, Mom,” and made his feature film debut in Steven Spielberg’s beloved adventure “The Goonies” (1985). He went on to star in critically acclaimed films such as “Memphis Belle” (1990), the inspirational sports drama “Rudy” (1993), and most famously, as Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. His versatility extended to comedy with roles in “50 First Dates” and “Click,” both alongside Adam Sandler. On television, Astin appeared in the action series “24” (2006), had a memorable role in “Stranger Things” (2017–2019), guest starred in the final season of “The Big Bang Theory” (2019), and co-starred in Netflix’s family dramedy “No Good Nick.” He currently appears in the final season of “The Conners” (2023–2025).

Astin’s voice work is equally notable. He narrated “Meerkat Manor” (2006–2007), voiced the title character in Disney Channel’s “Special Agent Oso” (2009–2012), played Raphael in Nickelodeon’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” (2012–2017), and narrated “The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants” (2018–2020). His stage career includes portraying Joseph Stalin in “Shostakovich and the Black Monk: A Fantasy” (2018–2019), performing in “Bang! Bang!” (2018), and starring in the one-man drama “Fire in the Garden” (2021). In 2024, he made his Broadway debut in the musical adaptation of “ELF” at the Marquis Theater. Astin is also a published author, with his memoir “There and Back Again: An Actor’s Tale” becoming a New York Times bestseller in 2004.

Astin graduated from UCLA in 1997 with a B.A. in history and English (American literature and culture). In 2024, he completed a master's degree in public administration and policy at American University, which also granted him an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters.

A long-distance runner, Astin’s marathons include the 2014 Marine Corps and the 2015 Boston Marathon. He successfully completed the Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii, in October 2015.

Astin and wife Christine have three daughters: Alexandra, Elizabeth and Isabella.

For event information, email SeanAstin@pennwest.edu.

Dr. Charles J. “Jack” and Gladys Snively Shontz established an endowment with the Clarion University Foundation, Inc., for the Charles J. Shontz and Gladys S. Shontz Cultural Life Series to benefit the students, faculty and staff of PennWest Clarion, as well as the residents of the Clarion area. Both professional educators, it was their hope to establish a perpetual fund to provide cultural opportunities which otherwise might not be available, and that their gift would broaden the educational opportunities provided by PennWest Clarion.