Sean Astin chosen president of SAG-AFTRA, successor to Fran Drescher
Sean Astin, the star of ‘Rudy’, ‘Goonies’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’, was chosen on Friday as president of Sag-Aftra, successor to Fran Drescher.
Astin was part of a slate called ‘The Coalition’, a unit stick that included members of the historic rival factions within the Union and some who were not connected on both sides. He defeated Chuck Slavin, a member of the New England Local Board of the Union, who had led a dissident campaign.
Astin took 79% of the votes, up to 21% for Slavin. Michelle Hurd, also part of the Coalition Slate, was voted Secretary-Twinger.
“This is a time for optimism and creativity,” Astin said in a statement. “I am very happy that the members have allowed me to lead our legendary organization from this challenging moment and defined in a future by trust, progress and fierce advocacy.”
In an e -mail, Slavin said that the outcome was ‘disappointing’, but that he was confronted with a political machine that represents the ‘powerful Hollywood elite that exerts that influence to maintain their hold on power’.
Astin takes on a job that is once in the hands of his deceased mother, Patty Duke, who was president of the Screen Actors Guild, the predecessor Union, from 1985-88. Astin has been heavily involved in SAG-AFTra-Politics for the past six years and served in 2023 during the negotiating committee during the strike of the four months.
In a recent interview, Astin said that he was particularly involved during the pandemic, when he logged in countless hours when attending the Zoom Committee meetings.
“I am really focused on details and the mechanics of possession,” he said. “I think it will be a good time for someone like me to be in this role.”
Joely Fisher, who has served as a secretary-treasurer for the past four years, was elected president of the Los Angeles Local.
After four years, Drescher stepped aside as president, in which she led the negotiations of 2023 and was a prominent voice on the picket lines outside the big studios. During her term of office, she helped to resolve part of the internal fight between Unite for Strength and membership first, the rival slates that have dominated the trade union policy for decades.
“She came in and did not tolerate the repeat of old debates,” Astin said, noticed that she had done well to forge consensus. “My job is to expand that.”
On Friday, the leadership of the Union brought a tribute to the Druscher service and announced that it almost completes an element of her legacy.
During the negotiations, Drescher insisted on a fund to distribute residues to artists at streaming shows. The Success Bonus Distribution Fund is intended to spread the wealth wider than standard streaming residues.
In a memo for members, the trade union said that stand-ins, stunt riggers and background actors are eligible, on condition that they have an important connection with the most successful shows on streaming platforms. The trade union said that it has also expanded the scope of productions that is eligible.
It is said that further details will be issued in the coming weeks. It is unclear how much money is being distributed.
“This is the last puzzle piece of the TV/theatrical/streaming contract of 2023,” said Drescher in a statement. “I appreciate the streaming channels and Amptp that leaned to us and have closed a fair deal. This historical triumph marks the end of my term of office.”
The alliance of films and television producers issued a statement with congratulations from Astin with his victory.
“We look forward to working with President Astin to tackle the issues that are most important for SAG AFTRA artists while promoting stability and opportunities in our industry,” said an Amptp spokesperson.
The trade union goes back to the negotiating table with the Amptp in 2026.
“I would personally approach any negotiation with an open mind and an open heart,” said Astin, “but also with absolute determination that our dignity and our legitimate needs are understood.”
