Sean Patrick Astin is an American actor and trade union leader. He began his career as a child actor, making his film debut as Mikey Walsh in "The Goonies" (1985). His significant film roles include Billy Tepper in "Toy Soldiers" (1991), Dave Morgan in "Encino Man" (1992), Daniel Ruettiger in "Rudy" (1993), and Samwise Gamgee in "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy (2001–2003).