Actor Sean Astin, best known for his roles in “Rudy” and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, will be the keynote speaker at all three UCLA College commencement ceremonies in June, the university announced Tuesday.
“Throughout his career, Sean Astin has inspired millions through his portrayal of passionate, brave and strong characters,” Miguel García-Garibay, senior dean of the UCLA College and dean of physical sciences, said in a statement. “He brings those values into his own life, advocating not only alongside his fellow actors in the most recent actors’ strike but also for mental health resources in his community. We*re thrilled to have him share his wisdom with our graduating seniors.”
Astin is a UCLA alum, graduating in 1997 with degrees in American literature and history after beginning his higher education at Los Angeles Valley College.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Westwood to speak to the class of 2024,” Astin said in a statement. “Graduating from UCLA was an incredibly proud moment in my life. I’m excited to celebrate alongside my fellow Bruins and offer some words of encouragement and inspiration as they begin their post-college journey.”
In addition to his big-screen credentials, Astin also appeared in the Netflix hit “Stranger Things” and more recently on ABC’s “The Conners.”
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He has been a member of the SAG-AFTRA actors’ union’s national and Los Angeles boards since 2021, and served on the committee that successfully negotiated a new contract with Hollywood studios last year. UCLA officials also noted his advocacy on issues including literacy, civic engagement and most notably, mental health awareness, a topic inspired by his late mother, actress Patty Duke, who publicly shared her battles with bipolar disorder.
Astin will speak at the commencement ceremonies scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. June 14 at Pauley Pavilion.