Big news in the acting world: Sean Astin has officially announced that he’s running for SAG-AFTRA President in the upcoming 2025 election.
Read the full article on Deadline: https://deadline.com/2025/07/sean-astin-running-for-sag-aftra-president-...
Astin says his decision to run comes from “a sense of duty” to the acting community, with a focus on “financial transparency, union solidarity, and addressing AI concerns.” He’ll be up against current president Fran Drescher, who hasn’t yet confirmed whether she’ll seek re-election.
If you’re a union member, or hope to be one, what issues do you want to see the next SAG-AFTRA president address?
Let’s start a conversation:
- What leadership qualities matter most to you?
- What changes would you like to see in contract negotiations, support for working actors, or protections around emerging tech like AI?
2 people like this
Hi, Ashley Renée Smith. I'm not an actor, but I'd like to see more protections against AI for actors, like deep fakes.
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Ashley Renée Smith Okay, I love that you bring this up! As someone hoping to inevitably be in SAG-AFTRA, I think Sean Astin is an excellent candidate! He's never lost touch with who he is, and what matters to the people in the field he's spent so long in. I think protections around AI is HUGE. I also think remembering the crew as well as support for both working and those retired who can pass down their knowledge is a good way to go. Just my thoughts, excited to see what happens <3
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thank you very much
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Absolutely, Rosie Schreiber, I couldn’t agree more! Sean Astin feels like a grounded, thoughtful choice who understands both the evolving challenges and the long-standing values of the industry. I’m excited to see how this unfolds, too, and I’m so glad you’re thinking ahead as someone planning to join the union. It’s conversations like these that shape the future!
5 people like this
Samwise for SAG President? Yes please!
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Hahaha, I had a VERY similar reaction when I saw the article on Deadline, Tony Armer!
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Ashley Renée Smith and then I'm Strider...and we'll just round up a whole LOTR fambam haha
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I am SO excited for this, he seems so lovely!