Sean Astin Elected SAG-AFTRA President in Landslide Victory
LOS ANGELES - Sean Astin, the actor best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Stranger Things, was elected president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) on Friday. He won nearly 80 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results.
Astin's opponent, Chuck Slavin, earned a little more than 20 percent of the vote. Michelle Hurd, Astin's running mate, was appointed secretary-treasurer and received about 65 percent of the vote in her own bid for office. Her opponent, Peter Antico, garnered more than 35 percent support.
The election saw low voter turnout, with only 17.34 percent of ballots being returned in the national election. This is a decrease from previous years, with 2023's turnout at 22.84 percent and 2021's at 26.49 percent.
Astin, who follows in the footsteps of his mother Patty Duke, who served as SAG-AFTRA president 37 years ago, expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the union's members. "I am honored to be elected as the next leader of our great union," he said in a statement. "I look forward to working with Michelle and the entire team to continue the progress we've made and address the challenges ahead."
SAG-AFTRA's current president, Fran Drescher, who has been at the helm since 2016, praised Astin's election. "Sean is a talented actor and a dedicated union member," she said in a statement. "I have no doubt he will be an excellent leader for our members."
The election of Astin as SAG-AFTRA president marks a significant shift in leadership for the union, which represents over 160,000 actors, journalists, and other media professionals. As president, Astin will play a key role in shaping policy and advocating for the interests of union members.
Astin's platform focused on issues such as improving working conditions, increasing diversity and inclusion, and protecting workers' rights. His election is seen as a victory for those who support his vision for the union.
The results of the election are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with Astin set to take office in January. As he prepares to lead the union, Astin will face challenges such as navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry and addressing issues related to streaming services and new technologies.
In a statement, SAG-AFTRA's executive vice president, Rebecca Damon, said, "We are excited to have Sean at the helm and look forward to working with him to continue our mission of protecting and promoting the interests of our members."
The election of Astin as SAG-AFTRA president is seen as a significant moment in the union's history, marking a new chapter in its leadership. As he takes office, Astin will face the challenge of building on the progress made by his predecessors while addressing the evolving needs and concerns of union members.
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*Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*
