Actor, producer, and activist Sean Astin will be the featured guest at the third annual Presidential Speaker Series on April 23 at 6 p.m. in the Cleary Lecture Hall. The event, made possible through the generous support of Arlene Battistelli ’60, will be moderated by Endicott President Steven R. DiSalvo, Ph.D.
Astin, beloved for his roles in iconic films such as The Lord of the Rings, Rudy, and The Goonies, will join the Endicott community for a thought-provoking conversation exploring his multifaceted career and passionate advocacy for mental health awareness and civic engagement. Astin’s personal insights and commitment to making a positive difference align closely with Endicott’s mission of inspiring leadership and fostering lifelong learning.
Astin, an acclaimed American film and television actor, is best known for his classic and beloved characters—Samwise Gamgee in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Rudy Ruettiger in Rudy. He first captured audiences’ hearts in his feature film debut as Mikey in the wildly popular 1980s classic The Goonies, and Astin became a fan favorite as Bob Newby in Season 2 of Netflix’s Stranger Things. He recently reunited with his Goonies co-star Ke Huy Quan for the action thriller Love Hurts, which premiered in theaters on February 7.
Astin’s career spans more than four decades and includes diverse roles in independent films, television dramas, and comedies. His television work includes appearances in The Strain, 24, Jeremiah, Monk, The Conners, and The Big Bang Theory. He also brought to life beloved animated characters, including Raphael in Nickelodeon’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and roles in Justice League, Minecraft: Story Mode, and Captain Underpants.
An Academy Award nominee and Screen Actors Guild Award winner, Astin is also a filmmaker, having directed and produced the short film Kangaroo Court, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Live Action Short Film. But his achievements extend beyond the screen—Astin is an accomplished long-distance runner and triathlete who has completed multiple marathons, including the 2016 New York City Marathon in honor of his late mother, Patty Duke, a renowned mental health advocate.
“Sean Astin has captivated audiences around the globe with his performances, and his dedication to important causes makes him an ideal speaker who will resonate with our students and community,” said President DiSalvo. “The Presidential Speaker Series continues to serve as a platform for meaningful dialogue, and we are thrilled to welcome Sean to campus during this exciting moment for Endicott.”
This year’s Presidential Speaker Series coincides with the launch of the Endicott Center for Civic Participation (ECCP), which will sponsor the series. The ECCP is dedicated to fostering a culture of civic responsibility and active engagement by bridging academic learning with community service, advocacy, and dialogue, making Astin—an influential figure in the entertainment industry and social advocacy—a fitting speaker to mark this new chapter.
Now in its third year, the Presidential Speaker Series was established to bring influential voices to Endicott College, fostering conversations that challenge perspectives, inspire action, and spark innovation. Previous speakers have included journalist Joan Lunden and travel guru Rick Steves.
Registration for the event will open on February 19, 2025.