Actor Sean Astin elected president of SAG-AFTRA

(NBC, KYMA) - Actor Sean Astin has been elected as the new president of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

Astin was voted in Friday and will succeed Fran Drescher as president of SAG-AFTRA with 79% of the vote.

Following the win, Astin released a statement saying:

"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. I congratulate my running mate, Michelle Hurd, the entire Coalition 2025, and every member across all 25 locals who put themselves forward to serve. I look forward to working with all of you. I have to thank my wife, Christine, and our daughters, Ali, Elizabeth and Bella, for their love and support. Finally, I am the first, second generation president of our union. My mother, Patty Duke, modeled for me the awesome responsibility of caring for every member of our union. I'm excited to get to work."

The union represents about 160,000 actors and other entertainment and media professionals.

Astin, who is the son of actors Patty Duke and John Astin, has starred in several popular films such as "The Lord of the Rings," "The Goonies," "Encino Man," and "Rudy."

In addition to Astin, actress Michelle Hurd, known for starring in TV shows such as "Another World," the "Hawaii Five-0" remake, and "Star Trek: Picard," was elected as the union's Secretary-Treasurer.

Following the win, Hurd released a statement saying:

"To my fellow SAG-AFTRA members, I am excited to get to work alongside President Astin on behalf of all of us. As secretary-treasurer, I promise to guard and grow our resources and do my best to build a secure foundation that provides support to us all. Our industry is at a transitional moment, and we are facing real challenges, but I am optimistic and ready to fight. It means the world to me to have the trust of my colleagues. I am deeply committed to earning it every single day."

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