From Bob Newby in Stranger Things to Doug Whitmore in 50 First Dates, Sean Astin has been cast in several memorable roles. Appearing in several fantasy, comedy, and science-fiction stories, Astin's extensive filmography illustrates that the actor has become a familiar face in pop culture, with many of his movies and TV shows (such as The Goonies, The Lord of the Rings franchise, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series) used as a gag, reference, or hidden detail in other projects to enhance their characters personalities. Some of these movies and shows have also led to Astin winning several awards too.
In 2017, Astin won the Best Vocal Ensemble in a Television Series BTVA Television Voice Acting Award for TMNT and several awards for The Lord of The Rings: The Return of the King, including Best Acting Ensemble Critics Choice Award and Best Supporting Actor Saturn Award. Although his time playing Joyce Byers's (Winona Ryder) love interest, Bob, is endearing, Sean Astin initial audition for the Stranger Things role, Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman), could have led his career down a different path altogether. Still, whether playing a curious kid in the '80s or a father in a heartwarming sitcom, Sean Astin's role have provided the world with much entertainment.
Sean Astin Played Mikey Walsh In The Goonies (1985)
Besides playing the 50 First Dates brother, Doug Whitmore, Sean Astin is best known for playing Mikey in The Goonies, the main character who is in charge of his friend group. Mikey was Astin's first film part, and he has brought the same earnest charm to most of his acting roles since. Mikey shows bravery as he, his pals, and his brother Brand Walsh (Josh Brolin) are scared that their homes will be turned into a country club. There are also Goonies Easter eggs in Stranger Things, which makes sense considering the common ground that the movie and TV series have.
The discovery of a map that leads the characters to a pirate ship called the Inferno makes this one of the most beloved kids' movies. Whether watching Astin as young and bold Mikey in The Goonies or older and sincere Bob in Stranger Things, Astin's talent lies in believable, relatable characters in strange and amazing situations. While Mikey may be young, his enthusiastic desire to help himself and his community is always evident. Mikey is more likable than the 50 First Dates brother, but both characters make a big impression.
Sean Astin Played Ambitious Football Player Daniel 'Rudy' Ruettiger In Rudy (1993)
Jon Favreau, known for his movie Chef, also starred alongside Sean Astin in the 1993 movie Rudy. This is one of Astin's most serious and dramatic roles as he played the main character, a young adult who wants to play football at the University of Notre Dame. Dennis "D-Bob" McGowan (Favreau) helps Rudy see that he has dyslexia, which explains why he has had a hard time in school. Rudy works harder than he ever thought he could to make sure that he can reach his goal. The movie is inspiring and moving at times, and the friendship between these two characters is special.
While Jon Favreau's The Chef Show is entertaining, his Rudy role is more significant, and it's meaningful watching Rudy and D-Bob connect with one another. As D-Bob helps Rudy reach for what he wants, Astin's relatable performance in the movie stands out. While Astin has appeared in fantasy movies like LOTR, his turn in the drama Rudy shows his range and his ability to make a regular character searching for an extraordinary goal feel approachable. It's compelling that even if Astin's most important roles are completely different from each other (as a college student and ninja turtle have nothing in common), Astin makes all of his roles likable and moving.
Sean Astin Played Lovable Sam In The Lord Of The Rings Franchise (2001-2003)
The hobbits may look small in LOTR, but they're some of the most unforgettable characters in J.R.R. Tolkien's story. Sean Astin also played the kind hobbit Samwise Gamgee in Lord of the Rings, the close friend of Frodo Baggins (Elijah Wood), who helps him take the ring to Mordor. Although Sam and the 50 First Dates brother are living in different worlds, they share similar qualities - such as their compassion and how they value loyalty. While Samwise cares for Frodo, the same attention is seen in his character in 50 First Dates as Doug cares about Lucy and is nervous that Henry Roth (Adam Sandler) will break her heart.
Since Sam holds the ring for a period of time, Astin's place in the LOTR franchise is an important one. Since Tolkien's novels are some of the most beloved in the fantasy genre, the right actor was necessary to embody this role. Sam's bravery, loyalty, and dedication to the journey are seen in every scene. Without Sam's help, Frodo couldn't have destroyed the one ring in LOTR. Astin has a reputation for playing characters who is very likable and Sam is one of his sweetest roles.
Astin Played The Brother Named Doug In 50 First Dates (2004)
One of Astin's most well-known roles is Doug Whitmore in 50 First Dates, a bodybuilder and the brother of the protagonist about Lucy (Drew Barrymore). Although he is mainly used as comic relief, Doug is a kind person who helps Lucy with her newfound relationship as she doesn't remember meeting Henry Roth (Adam Sandler). Doug pretends that it's their father Marlin's (Blake Clarke) birthday even though it has already passed because he wants to be there for his sister. While the movie's happy ending and romance between Henry and Lucy are the focal points, Astin's 50 First Dates brother is so caring and has such a good heart that he stands out.
While Adam Sandler's characters appear in many movies and are therefore tough to forget, Doug makes an impact in this 2000s romantic comedy because he is fully himself. He also makes sure to remember where he comes from and respects his family, wanting to be part of his father and sister's lives, despite the tough times they're all experiencing. Through Doug's 50 First Dates scenes, it becomes clear that he doesn't have all the answers but he's okay with that. Doug wants to help Lucy find some peace, even if that means that she never regains her memories. He might be seen as a more minor character since he isn't one of the two leads, but Doug is a significant part of the movie
Sean Astin Played The Likable Bob Newby In Stranger Things (2016-)
Bob is killed off early in Stranger Things and dies in season 2, episode 8 "The Mind Flayer." This role shows Astin's range, as the 50 First Dates brother, bodybuilder Doug Whitmore, couldn't be more different from Bob, who puts himself in the face of danger to help his friends. At first, it doesn't seem like Bob will be significant, as he dates Joyce and lives a quiet, regular life. But when Bob sacrifices himself and gets killed by Demodogs in the hospital, Bob matters a lot to the overall plot as he is kind-hearted and wants to help the child characters, which is moving.
Just like Eddie Munson's Stranger Things death, Bob's death scene is filled with feeling. Bob becomes an important part of the charge to fight the Mind Flayer. Even though Astin only appears in a few episodes, he is one of the better minor characters, which speaks to Astin's knack for realistic roles that are easy to connect with. Bob may be a Radio Shack manager caught up in a science-fiction world that he never anticipated, but he's still easygoing and relatable like many of Astin's characters.
Astin Voiced Raphael In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2012-2017)
Featuring in 124 episodes, Astin is also known for voicing Raphael in the TV series Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. While there are two TMNT reboots coming, the show does an excellent job of bringing these familiar characters to life once again. Raphael has a turtle named Spike who he loves spending time with, and he also enjoys arguing with others. Raphael tends to get angry quickly, which is one of the most memorable aspects of his personality. Although Raphael is strong-willed, Astin makes him one of his most likable characters by voicing him with his signature calm tone. Astin's talent comes through with this good example of his voice work.
The most memorable part about this TV series is seeing the relationship and bond between the turtles. They are fighting the Kraang, who are aliens, and trying to keep everyone safe. A theory about the TMNT weapons is compelling, as Raphael likes to use a Sai, which was once used to grow vegetables. Raphael has a few things in common with some of Sean Astin's other characters, including Sam in LOTR, Bob in Stranger Things, and Doug, the 50 First Dates brother. All of these characters are willing to do what they have to do to save their friends or family members.
Astin Recently Played Ed In No Good Nick (2019)
While Sean Astin's Stranger Things and 50 First Dates characters are smaller but memorable roles, Astin also starred in the Netflix comedy No Good Nick as one of the two leads. Astin played Ed Thompson, whose quiet life married to Liz (Melissa Joan Hart) turns chaotic when Nicole Franzelli (Siena Agudong) pretends that they're family. While Adam Sandler's recent movies aren't great, 50 First Dates has a certain charm, and Astin's character is a big reason for that. Ed is also a compelling part of No Good Nick. Astin has often portrayed likable characters, and while Ed seems like the perfect family man, he has secrets that become apparent.
Nick begins living with the couple, claiming that she's lost her parents and has nowhere else to go, but she really wants revenge. This explains Ed's flawed backstory. Both Ed and the 50 First Dates brother care about the people in their lives but are swept up in their own interests and problems. While Doug is active in the bodybuilding world, Ed is a loan officer who wanted to harm the Franzelli family and made sure that Nick's father Tony didn't get a loan. Astin plays Ed as a good-hearted person who gets caught up in envy and greed.