About this Event
Using Your Voice in Today's Political Conversation
Everyone has the power to share their beliefs and stand up for what they deem right, and everyone, especially those who can reach tremendous audiences, should certainly do so. Sean Astin discusses the importance of being the change we want to see in the world, and offers insight into his personal experiences with political involvement. Astin, for instance, spreads his message through his online political interview show, Vox Populi, but there are countless outlets for people to use to voice their political views and facilitate reform in the areas they see necessary.
About Sean Astin
Sean Astin is an acclaimed American film and television actor. Astin is best known for his classic and beloved characters – the ever faithful Samwise Sam Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and American working class hero, Rudy. Astin made his feature film debut in the wildly popular 80’s classic The Goonies as the leader of an unlikely band of adolescent treasure hunters. In 2004, Astin flexed his comedy muscles as the steroid challenged Doug Whitmore in the Sony Pictures hit comedy 50 First Dates.
He went on to become a fan favorite portraying Bob Newby, in Season 2 of Netflix’s hit series Stranger Things. Currently, Astin plays Tyler, Becky’s boyfriend on ABC’s The Conners, as the venerable series comes to a close after 17 years.
The Academy Award nominee and Screen Actors Guild Award-winning actor made his Broadway debut for the 2024 holiday season as Santa in Elf: The Musical.
Astin is the son of luminary performers Patty Duke and John Astin, and the brother of seasoned actor Mackenzie Astin.
For over four decades, Sean Astin has thrived in the world of independent cinema with meaningful performances in richly diverse films: Staying Together (1989), Where The Day Takes (1992), The Low Life (1995), Bigger Than The Sky (2005), Smile (2005), Forever Strong (2008), Amazing Love: The Story of Hosea (2012), The Surface (2014), Mom’s Night Out (2014), Woodlawn (2015), The Lears (2017), Gloria Bell (2018) with Julianne Moore, Charming The Hearts of Men (2021) opposite Kelsey Grammer, Hard Miles (2023), iMordecai (2023) opposite Judd Hirsch and Carol Kane, and The Shift (2024).
Astin is well known to television audiences, having performed in long form programs such as the title character in the adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s Harrison Bergeron and in the adaptation of Terry Pratchet’s legendary book, The Color of Magic. Astin has appeared as a series regular notably in Guillermo Del Toro’s The Strain (FX) and the Best Drama Award-winning fifth season of 24 (Fox), as well as J. Michael Straczynski’s Jeremiah (Showtime). He has guest starred on many familiar dramatic programs including Monk, Law and Order, The Librarians, Supergirl and The Alphas.
Astin has enjoyed working on many television comedies; he played lead character Ed Thompson for 20 episodes of Netflix’s throwback situation comedy No Good Nick. He has also guest starred on many shows, including The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn 99 and Franklin & Bash.
The veteran actor recently narrated Dreamworks’ original series Captain Underpants and has voiced many animated characters in films and television including Raphael in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Nickelodeon), Bunnicula (WB), Justice League (WB), Special Agent Oso (Disney), Micronauts (Paramount) and Minecraft: Story Mode (Telltale).
Astin directed and produced the short film Kangaroo Court, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. Astin also directed and produced the live action short film The Long and Short of It, an official entry in the Sundance Film Festival. Astin has journeyed into episodic television, directing episodes of Angel (WB) and Jeremiah (Showtime). In 2019 Astin reprised his iconic role of Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger as Colonel Sanders in KFC's 'Rudy II' commercial ads.
Astin is an avid long-distance runner and triathlete. He completed the IRONMAN World Championship Triathlon in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on Oct. 10, 2015. He has also completed 12 full marathons including the 2016 New York City Marathon in honor of his late mother, Patty Duke, for her life's work as an advocate for mental health. Learn more at Sean Astin at www.seanastin.com.
About the Series
The Vernon L. Pack ’50 Distinguished Lecture and Scholar-in-Residence program has been bringing high-profile scholars and speakers to Otterbein’s campus to discuss contemporary issues and topics for more than two decades. The Series was established in 2002 through a generous gift from alumnus Vernon L. Pack, a 1950 graduate of the University. A distinguished lecturer visits campus to address important current issues that will allow the Otterbein community to reflect on ethical, spiritual and social issues. In alternate years, an esteemed scholar is invited to campus to reside for up to one academic year in order to provide an educational enrichment experience for Otterbein students. Learn more at www.otterbein.edu/packlecture.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cowan Hall, 30 South Grove Street, Westerville, United States
USD 0.00
