On September 12, 2025, the Screen Actors Guild–American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) ushered in a new chapter as members overwhelmingly elected Sean Astin, the beloved actor best known for his roles in The Lord of the Rings, Rudy, and The Goonies, as their new national president. With a commanding 79% of the vote, Astin defeated independent candidate Chuck Slavin, a performer and background actor from the New England local board, marking a decisive mandate for his leadership. Michelle Hurd, recognized for her work on Star Trek: Picard and Netflix's You, was elected secretary-treasurer with around 65% of the vote.
Astin succeeds Fran Drescher, the outgoing president who guided the union through a tumultuous era marked by strikes and landmark contract negotiations. During her tenure, the union weathered a 118-day strike in the summer of 2023, ultimately securing protections against artificial intelligence (AI) and bonuses for streaming content based on viewership—milestones that have set the stage for the next round of negotiations in 2026. According to Variety and the Los Angeles Times, Astin has praised Drescher’s work, noting, “My job is to extend the work that she did, and to approach any negotiation with an open mind and an open heart, but also with absolute resolve that our dignity and our legitimate needs be understood.”
The election comes at a pivotal moment for SAG-AFTRA, the nation’s largest entertainment union, which represents more than 160,000 members including actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, program hosts, recording artists, and other media professionals. The union’s core mission is to safeguard labor rights, negotiate contracts, and ensure fair pay, safety, and benefits for its members. As the industry faces rapid changes—ranging from the rise of streaming platforms to the growing influence of AI and the shifting landscape of global production—Astin’s leadership is expected to be tested early and often.
Astin’s roots in the acting community run deep. He is the son of the late Academy Award-winning actress Patty Duke, who served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1985 to 1988, and John Astin, famed for his role in the 1960s TV series The Addams Family. This family legacy of union activism is not lost on Astin, who has become increasingly involved in SAG-AFTRA politics over the past six years. His engagement intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, culminating in his service on the negotiating committee during the 2023 actors’ strike—a period that saw the union flex its collective muscle to secure better terms for members.
In his first statement after being elected, Astin struck a tone of hope and determination: “Now is a time for optimism and creativity. I am thrilled that the members have allowed me to lead our storied organization out of this challenging moment and into a future defined by confidence, progress, and fierce advocacy.” Yet, he tempered the celebratory mood, telling the Los Angeles Times, “People keep saying to me, ‘I hope you have time to celebrate’ and celebrating feels like a foreign thought. This doesn’t feel like a moment for celebration. It feels like a moment to say thank you and get to work.”
Astin’s campaign was built on a coalition of candidates from Membership First and Unite For Strength, two major political groups within SAG-AFTRA, reflecting a strategic push for unity in the face of industry upheaval. His opponent, Chuck Slavin, advocated a more confrontational approach, vowing to call for a strike authorization vote before negotiations as a means to strengthen the union’s leverage. In contrast, Astin’s strategy is more moderate, emphasizing collaboration and open dialogue with the studios while maintaining a firm stance on key issues. “The truth is that no union and no management should ever want a strike—that is the tool of last resort,” Astin explained to The Times.
The challenges ahead are formidable. The entertainment industry is grappling with consolidation, productions relocating overseas, and the relentless advance of AI technologies. Under Drescher, SAG-AFTRA secured initial AI protections, but many members feel there is still ground to cover in the next contract. Astin has pledged to push for expanded AI safeguards and to work with government leaders to keep productions in the United States, aiming to protect jobs and maintain the industry’s domestic footprint.
Astin’s election also comes at a time of waning member engagement, with voter turnout for the 2025 election at just 17%—down from 23% in 2023 and 26% in 2021, according to union data. Despite this, the overwhelming support for Astin suggests broad confidence in his ability to steer the union through uncertain waters. Outgoing president Fran Drescher’s endorsement was a significant boost, with Astin calling her “a constant source of support and guidance” and expressing eagerness to “help protect her legacy.”
Michelle Hurd’s election as secretary-treasurer adds further experience and visibility to the leadership team. Known for her advocacy and her performances across television and film, Hurd’s role will be critical as the union prepares for its next round of negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP). The AMPTP has already extended congratulations to Astin and expressed readiness to work together “to address the issues most important to SAG-AFTRA performers while promoting stability and opportunity across our industry.”
Astin’s two-year term begins immediately and will run through September 2027, during which he’ll be eligible for re-election. While the role demands significant behind-the-scenes work—meeting with staff, visiting local chapters, and poring over contract details—Astin is not expected to step away from acting entirely. If history is any guide, as with Drescher’s continued guest roles during her presidency, Astin may still be seen on screen, though his most visible union duty will likely be his annual appearance at the SAG Awards.
As the dust settles on the election, Astin is already rolling up his sleeves. “Now is the time for optimism,” he declared on election night. “When you elect a new president, it’s a new chapter and a new page is turned. There is no reason not to charge forward as a union with our members.” For SAG-AFTRA’s 160,000 members, the coming years will test the union’s unity and resolve—but with Astin at the helm, hope is running high for a future that balances progress with the hard-earned lessons of the past.
