Born in Santa Monica, CA. Son of divorced actors Patty Duke and John Astin who grew up in the limelight of his famous parents and was portrayed as a character in the TV movie, CALL ME ANNA (1990), based on his mother's autobiographical account of her victory over manic depression. Astin made his film debut as one of the treasure-hunting kids in THE GOONIES (1985) and went on to play Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner's son in THE WAR OF THE ROSES (1989) and a ball-turret gunner in MEMPHIS BELLE (1990), before starring as a misfit who saves the day when terrorists take over a posh private school in the silly TOY SOLDIERS (1991). The surprisingly successful ENCINO MAN (1992) did not represent a noticeable upgrade in quality, but RUDY (1993), a sports story about a "little football program who could," seemed a rather more appealing showcase for the enterprising Astin, who in the early 90s formed a production company, Lava Entertainment. Other notable credits include COURAGE UNDER FIRE (1996), THE LONG WAY HOME (1997), BULWORTH, BOY MEETS GIRL and DISH DOGS (all 1998), KIMBERLY, DETERRENCE and ICEBREAKER (all 1999), THE LAST PRODUCER and THE SKY IS FALLING. In 2001, Astin landed the role of Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee, Frodo Baggins' sidekick, in THE LORD OF THE RINGS triology (2001, 2002 & 2003). He also starred in 50 FIRST DATES and ELVIS HAS LEFT THE BUILDING (both 2004), MARILYN HOTCHKISS BALLROOM DANCING & CHARM SCHOOL, SLIPSTREAM, BIGGER THAN THE SKY and SMILE (all 2005), "24" (TV series), THANKS TO GRAVITY and CLICK (all 2006), MY WIFE IS RETARDED, BORDERLAND, WHAT LOVE IS and THE FINAL SEASON (all 2007), and FOREVER STRONG and CAT TALE (voice) (both scheduled for release in 2008). He is married to Christine Astin, and they have 3 children; their daughter Alexandra Louise had a small role in the last RINGS film.  Nominated for Achievement in Live Action Short Films 1994: KANGAROO COURT - Producer (w. Christine Astin) 1 nomination