Actor Sean Astin shared inspirational messages, continuing his mother’s legacy
Astin joined a group of 100 guests at a special reception before the big night. (Photo by Rob Taylor Photography and Design)
Rivaling pre-pandemic numbers with an audience of nearly 1,000, East Carolina University proudly welcomed actor, director, producer, triathlete and mental health advocate Sean Astin to the campus on November 16 for the event. Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Discovery trips Series.
Astin’s visit was true to this year’s Journey season theme, “Inspiring Hope and Healing,” as he approached the evening’s events with charm and charisma, making multiple individual connections with faculty, staff, students and community guests. during her visit.
An alarm to evacuate the main campus student center during a special reception honoring Astin led to an impromptu photo op and discussion with 100 enthusiastic guests on the lawn along 10th Street. Everyone was able to go back inside about 30 minutes later.
Astin’s interactions throughout the evening touched the hearts of many, including a university staff member who received a heartfelt, personally recorded video from Astin to pass on to a family member who could not attend the events.
“Each year, Harriot College’s Voyages of Discovery series brings thought-provoking leaders to eastern North Carolina. This year’s theme, “Inspiring Hope and Healing,” seems particularly timely,” said Dr. Allison S. Danell, dean of Harriot College. “We are currently witnessing conflict, pain and suffering on a global scale. Whether we are personally affected, love those affected, or simply grapple with the endless distressing images and stories that come our way every day, we know that hope and healing are sorely needed.
With an acting career spanning four decades, Astin is recognized by many generations. Among over 100 roles, Astin is known for his classic character Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy; as Bob Newby, former high school friend and love interest of Winona Ryder’s character, Joyce Byers, in season 2 of Netflix’s “Stranger Things”; as the beloved title character in “Rudy” and as Mikey in the popular classic “The Goonies.”
At the reception, Astin received a special ECU Pirate football jersey, printed with his name and the number worn by his main character in the movie “Rudy.” (Photo by Lacey L. Gray)
Topics of discussion throughout the evening were divided between Astin’s acting career as well as the causes he is passionate about, including civic engagement, education, literacy, fitness and, by -above all, mental health awareness and advocacy.
Dr Austin Jones, associate professor of theater at Faculty of Fine Arts and Communication School of Theater and Dancemoderated the reception discussion, which touched on Astin’s acting career.
Astin said he received good advice from his father when he was auditioning for roles. His father told him to “stop playing” and be himself. Giving up control, along with a bit of luck, allowed him to land many roles.
He said acting allows him to explore mindsets and worlds that can be difficult to navigate if you’re not prepared. He takes full ownership of his role and it can take him a long time to come out of character, something his wife of 32 years also noticed when he was considering playing the role of a drug addict.
Dr. Alan Christensen, President of the Department of Psychologywho said mental health affects everyone and the stigma associated with it has decreased significantly in recent years, moderated the 7 p.m. discussion.
“Access to mental health care and providers can be difficult and limited in eastern North Carolina, making the topic relevant to the region,” he said. “The takeaway is that we are all in this together, specifically recognizing that mental health is an essential part of everyone’s lives.”
An audience member takes a photo to document their participation in “An Evening with Sean Astin.” (Photo by Steven Mantilla)
Although well known for his acting, Astin said it is the other aspects and activities of his life that fulfill and inspire him, including earning his undergraduate degree in history, his current pursuit of a master’s degree in public administration and public policy, his long-distance running, participation in numerous triathlons and his speaking engagements on mental health and its destigmatization. The latter stems from the diagnosis, struggles and open conversation of his late mother – 1960s actress Patty Duke – about her bipolar disorder. She then dedicated her life to being an advocate for mental health, a role that Astin continues today with her messages of acceptance, inclusion, and empowerment for those struggling with mental illness.
“I do this because my mother did it before me. She realized her pain could help someone else,” Astin said. “It’s important and I can’t imagine not doing it.”
He said people were afraid to discuss mental health issues, but that his mother “opened those doors” and always made Astin and his siblings feel loved – that his issues didn’t It wasn’t their fault.
“I loved seeing so many people participate in the Voyages of Discovery event. The question-and-answer format gave the evening a relaxed environment; like you’re sitting with a friend,” said Andrea Menichelli, an economic staffer who attended the event. “Mr. Astin emphasized the importance of taking care of yourself first so that you can then help your loved one with mental illness. Accept the fact that you might fail, to take the pressure off yourself.
When asked what Astin wanted the public to take away from his visit, he replied: “I am incredibly grateful that you came to hear about mental health. This night is just as important to me as it is to you.
“Our beloved series continues to challenge us, inviting us to learn from the real, lived experiences of incredible people and their true emotions, resilience and hope,” said Danell, who also said she only “realize” that this event The incredible person was Sean Astin. “I’m sure many people share the gratitude I feel for the characters he portrays and the wisdom and comfort they bring to each of us on our own winding journeys through life.”
Ashley Harzog, Director of Alumni Relations and Outreach at Harriot College, said: “One of the reasons we chose Sean Astin was his broad appeal. »
The evening’s events were co-hosted by Harriot College Dean’s Advancement Council member Harvey S. Wooten and ECU’s College of Fine Arts and Communication, with additional support from numerous ECU and community and corporate sponsors.
On January 18, Harriot College hopes to continue inspiring the community by welcoming U.S. Olympic gold and silver medal-winning gymnast Laurie Hernandez for the final event of the 2023-24 Journeys Series. For more information, visit Discovery trips website.
See a full gallery of the reception with Sean Astin taken by Rob Taylor Photography & Design
An audience of nearly 1,000 people applauded as Astin made his entrance for the Voyages event. (Photo by Steven Mantilla)
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