Sean Astin Takes the Lead: New SAG-AFTRA President Following Fran Drescher’s Legacy

Sean Astin, best known for his roles in “Rudy,” “The Goonies,” and “The Lord of the Rings,” has just been elected as the new president of SAG-AFTRA. He replaces Fran Drescher, who stepped down after four years of leadership.

Astin ran with a group called “The Coalition,” which brought together members from different factions within the union, even some who weren’t originally aligned with either side. He won decisively, taking 79% of the vote against Chuck Slavin, who campaigned against the established leadership. Michelle Hurd, also part of the Coalition, was elected as secretary-treasurer.

In his victory statement, Astin expressed optimism about the future. He aims to guide the union through recent challenges, emphasizing the need for creativity and advocacy.

Slavin shared his disappointment, suggesting that he faced obstacles from a “political machine” of influential Hollywood figures. Astin’s victory is particularly meaningful for him, as it mirrors the role once held by his mother, Patty Duke, who was president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988.

Astin has been active in SAG-AFTRA politics for the past six years and played a significant role during the actor’s strike in 2023. He engaged deeply during the pandemic, attending numerous Zoom meetings to grasp the inner workings of the union.

Joely Fisher was also elected to a leadership position, taking over as president of the Los Angeles local, adding to the new leadership dynamics of the organization.

Drescher’s presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, particularly during the tough negotiations in 2023. She worked on creating a fund for streaming show residuals, aiming to distribute earnings more fairly among performers. This new Success Bonus Distribution Fund will benefit stand-ins, stunt coordinators, and background actors connected to successful streaming series.

Recently, the union announced they are finalizing elements of this new fund. Exact details on the amount to be distributed remain unclear, but it represents a step towards fair compensation for performers.

Astin looks ahead to 2026 when the union will negotiate again with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). He stressed the importance of coming to the table “with an open mind and an open heart,” but also with a firm commitment to uphold the dignity and needs of SAG-AFTRA members.

As the landscape of Hollywood continues to evolve, Astin’s presidency will likely shape the future of the union and its approach to industry challenges. The next few years will be crucial in defining how actors cope with changes, especially in the streaming era, where traditional revenue models are shifting rapidly.



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Chuck Slavin,Sean Astin