Joel writes:
I was Zeosoez in this chat (you’ll see my comment at the end), but I’d prefer to go by Firestar on your site, if that’s okay. Here’s the transcript:
DishDiva says: Welcome to MSN Live! This afternoon we are pleased to welcome actor Sean Astin back to MSN!
DishDiva says: Sean stars in the Lord of the Rings trilogy!
DishDiva says: Sean, it’s great to have you back! How are you doing today? You have fans here from around the world! Thanks for being here!
Sean_Astin_live says: Last night I made a spontaneous appearance to a Manhattan theatre last night at 12:01.
DishDiva says: I imagine this must be an insane day for you.
Sean_Astin_live says: Today has been a bit more sedate because I did a interview with Rolling Stones and then I had a few hours of radio station interviews. So the rest of the day I got to veg-out and it’s been a lot more relaxing than yesterday or the day before.
DishDiva says: There are so many fans online who are so passionate about Lord of the Rings, does this surprise you?
DishDiva says: I mean there are people who know how to speak Elvish!
Sean_Astin_live says: A couple in Portland got married in line, that ran on the news today, and I found that extrordinary. I’ve been exposed to some of this intense apprecation about the films but it keeps getting more, more extreme. The last 36 hours and the next couple of
Sean_Astin_live says: days will be the pinnacle. It’s been unexpected. It’s been an “Unexpected party.”
HobbitFan2009 in Onstage_1 asks: Yay! I’m really happy! My dad is taking me to see ROTK tonight!!!!! What was your favorite scene to film?
Sean_Astin_live says: I loved finally getting to fight Shelob. I hope you have a great time at the movie.
DishDiva says: That is one scary spider.
Iluvlegolas3 in Onstage_1 asks: this is so cool talk to me
Panamapk in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you so much for being here! We are all crazy fans, don’t get too scared!
PatriciaF82 in Onstage_1 asks: Hi Sean. Did anyone play practical jokes on the movie set?
Sean_Astin_live says: But of course. The most recent practicle joke was in Berlin and Elijah was in New York doing Saturday Night Live doing satalite during the night and he couldn’t see anyone. Dom possed as Gunther and he asked some rude questions. Elijah was mortified
Sean_Astin_live says: trying not to get worked up at the questions given him by this fake journalist.
greatescape86 in Onstage_1 asks: I am impressed with your short film “The Long and Short of It.” Any upcoming projects you are directing?
Sean_Astin_live says: Thank you for the compliment. It is really fun that so many people have seen it on the DVD. I have decided to make myself wide open in terms of my availability and to focus on one project to see what opportunities present themselves with “Return of the
Sean_Astin_live says: King.” My publicist said to me that he hopes that I will hopefully be in front or behind the camera very soon.
Mr-Nonickname in Onstage_1 asks: Hey Sean! I heard that your daughter played Elanor in Returrn of the King. Is this True? If it is, did she like acting?
Sean_Astin_live says: Right now I’m relaxing at E News Daily, just kicking back.
Sean_Astin_live says: It is true, she liked being part of the film but I don’t know that she likes acting. She does like having her picture taken and has a lot of personality in front of the camera so we need to keep an eye on her.
Palandin1 in Onstage_1 asks: Sam is my favorite character in the books. You have done such an awesome job portraying Sam. What are your favorite attributes of his character?
Sean_Astin_live says: It was a several year project to get her to look like me. I had help from my beautiful bride. (laughs)
Sean_Astin_live says: In one of the reviews I read about the performance the journalist said he thought I captured the quiet strength of the character and I’ve thought about that idea and enjoyed it. I can rattle of a string of adjectives for that character but I’ve thought
Sean_Astin_live says: about the character so much that those word change over time. So right now I like quiet strength.
TheDeadParrot3 in Onstage_1 asks: What’s the weirdest piece of merchandise you’ve seen your face on?
Sean_Astin_live says: I can’t talk about the airplane, stamps or currency in New Zealand because they weren’t murchandise. We are actual legal tender there, I feel like Gulliver. There are some weird puzzles, are we toilet paper yet? (laughs)
Sean_Astin_live says: My wife just looked at me and said “Bobblehead!”
djdeathskiss in Onstage_1 asks: Hey Sean- You rocked in ROTK! Were you as emotional as the rest of us when you finally saw the finished film?
Sean_Astin_live says: When I first saw it in it’s unfinished form in England I cried harder than I’ve ever cried in my life. When I saw the final version I was mostly analytical and dispassionate figuring what had been cut out. I’m hoping in the extended version of the DVD
Sean_Astin_live says: that I can reach the same level of emotional attachment. There was so much that had to be cut out and that impacted how I responded to the film. I’m glad that everyone doesn’t know what’s cut out so they can have their own opinion of the film. The last 45
Sean_Astin_live says: minutes of the film is very satisfying for me to watch.
DishDiva says: It really is about you and Elijah’s character.
Sean_Astin_live says: There’s such intimacy in the characterization and so much weight given to it that we ultimately bare, the acute focal point in the film. But if everyone wasn’t playing their part and the music coming together so well people wouldn’t have that emotional
Sean_Astin_live says: experience.
Ringbearer1127 in Onstage_1 asks: Hey Sean, me and my friends just saw the Return of the King last night. It was awesome! We gave it a standing ovation. If there’s anything you’d like to say to the fans, what would it be?
Sean_Astin_live says: Quite simply thank you. The thought that people like you are giving standing ovations in cimemas where you think we can’t hear or feel your energy, fills me with gratitude and we feel it around the world.
Sean_Astin_live says: We just ignore the boos and hecklers. (laughs)
hello_huge_fan_101 in Onstage_1 asks: What is your favorite thing about Tolkiens books?
Sean_Astin_live says: I think my favorite thing would have to be how many different, incredible observations of human nature he interweaves into this story. You can read it and learn about yourself, communicated so clearly and articulately. Tolkien must have been a good study
Sean_Astin_live says: of human behavior and he fused that and enlightenment into his work. That’s what I like about it.
PleasantPineapple in Onstage_1 asks: Hi Sean, I’ve heard the final film has created some Oscar buzz. Do you and the other cast members plan on attending? As a CA. Native I’m excited to see how it plays out.
Sean_Astin_live says: I’m excited too. I’m nervous. I don’t know that anyone would have plans. I know Peter Jackson would fly from New Zealand. We’re all on the edge of our seats for that. I would be lying if I said it wasn’t a consideration for us. Knowing that this last
Sean_Astin_live says: episode has been given to the world now, everyone takes great pride and satisfaction that the fans have enjoyed the films. Hopefully our peers will include this movie in their thoughts when the time comes.
Sean_Astin_live says: Peter thinks that people should vote from their heart and let the chips fall where they may.
AnamSamWise in Onstage_1 asks: Hi Sean. Our family thinks you’re the best! We love ya! Funny question for you – what did you and the rest of the fellowship do when in an interview you guys found that “Frodo” exposed the secret tattoo?
Sean_Astin_live says: Tell your family I said thank you very much. This story has gotten a lot of press in the last few days. Ian was the first to show his tatoo and then I was next to show it on TV on accident. The Elijah felt like everyone was showing their and he showed his
Sean_Astin_live says: We’re all very forgiving of each other with the pact we tried to keep.
WantsOlderWomen in Onstage_1 asks: What was the last scene you shot, and was it really emotional knowing that you have spent the last 2 years with these people and now its over?
Sean_Astin_live says: WantsOlderWoman, hope she’s out there. (laughs)
Sean_Astin_live says: The last scene that made it in the final cut Frodo and Sam on the plains as the Eye is bearing down on them. I was exhausted and it was emotional and I didn’t experience the full emotionality of the experience until I saw the cut in England.
Sean_Astin_live says: I did cry that night because Peter gave a speach and showed out takes and gave me, my wife and daughter presents including feet, the dress my daughter wore, and an Elvin broach. We did know we had to do press for the film so we knew we’d see the other
Sean_Astin_live says: actors.
©øłøѓãđø_68 in Onstage_1 asks: Wasn’t it hard to act with the character Gollum?
Sean_Astin_live says: No, it was not hard in the sense that people might think that working with a “CG” character. Andy Serkis made it so much easier with his sheer force of his intensity of a dramatic actor. There are more fight scenes and a lot more emotionality and those
Sean_Astin_live says: take a physical tole on you. It was difficult lagistically to work with the computer things, but working with Gollum wasn’t hard, it was new and innovated but not hard.
Biggertaylorboydstaff in Onstage_1 asks: What do you think about all the quips people make about the hobbit’s sexualities?
Sean_Astin_live says: I think it’s funny. I enjoy actually seeing other people get off on exploring their own ideas of their own sexuality through these characters. I don’t think that those discussions come organically out of the material. I think the material lacks the
Sean_Astin_live says: sexuality people focus on but I don’t begrudge people to think about what they feel as long as they are not hurting anybody.
Reesh2009 in Onstage_1 asks: What did your kids think about seeing you on the big screen as a hobbit?
Sean_Astin_live says: I don’t think the baby gets it. She did when I was on TRL yesterday, she walked up to the TV and said “Dad, dad” and wanted me to pick her up. Alexandra was uncomfortable with the dirty feet idea but playing a hobbit herself she gets it. At the end of the
Sean_Astin_live says: day when they took off my feet she would pick off the glue that was left behind. I hope she doesn’t develop a fetish.
Sean_Astin_live says: I’m looking out over time square and there’s a huge Reuetr’s newsboard and I just saw myself and Elijah scrolling down it.
HannColl in Onstage_1 asks: Did you enjoy getting the chance to do comedy in Fifty First Dates? How was Adam Sandler to work with?
Sean_Astin_live says: I relish the opportunity to do something so completely different from Sam. I think I’ve got real comedy chops in me and I was able to show a glimmer of them in the part. Adam Sandler is something to behold. He carries himself with grace and I enjoyed
Sean_Astin_live says: being in his realm.
Zachgo51 in Onstage_1 asks: I was just wondering is their any chance that their will be movies for books like The Hobbit, or Books that have to do with Lord of the Rings
Sean_Astin_live says: Sam isn’t in the Hobbit but someone brought up that I might be able to paly Gaffer Gamgee in makeup. It would be fun if they figure out the rights issue and if Peter commits to do it.
Palandin1 in Onstage_1 asks: On the scenes where you are punching out Gollum (GO SAM!), were you punching Andy Serkis or thin air?
Sean_Astin_live says: Punching Gollum, I never punched Andy, I only got to punch thin air or sand bags.
gabrielrose-livejournal in Onstage_1 asks: Out of all the movies you have worked on, which one is your favorite?
Sean_Astin_live says: Hard to say, I would probably say “Lord of the Rings” or “Rudy” or “Goonies” I had fun working on a film called “Kimberly.” Not many people saw it but I was in good shape and was at a good time in Philly and Ally was young it was a great time.
Sean_Astin_live says: I’m sort of overwhelmed by the volume of how many people are into these movies. It’s great to get off planes and see screaming people but it seems like a more direct communication with fans of the film when I can do chat shows like that and hear such
Sean_Astin_live says: great and interesting questions. Reporters and journalists can be hard, but people like you are pure. The fans rock. Asking the quesitons that have to be asked let the actors communicate their ideas and shape the response of people. But I’m not like that
Sean_Astin_live says: I am more trusting of the audience and what I like about the fan questions is that they are unusually specific and you get the sense of personalities with everyone’s handles, names.
curious_mandy_gamgee in Onstage_1 asks: So you act. You direct. You write. You’ve done some politics. What’s next, Mr. Multitasker?
Sean_Astin_live says: (laughs) Grad school? (laughs) You forgot fatherhood. (laughs)
Sean_Astin_live says: I’ll tell you what, relaxation, I’m looking forward to studying the fine art of relaxation.
DishDiva says: You deserve it at this point.
Sean_Astin_live says: The only fear is that I’ll relax and am ready to get back to work I’ll have missed the boat. I don’t know if it’s necessary to worry about that so I’ll keep slogging on and see what happens.
DishDiva says: Well, Sean, from all of your fans from around the world, best of luck with “Return of the King” and “Fifty First Dates.”
Sean_Astin_live says: My heart is filled with love and gratitiude for all the fans and the incredible response they’ve given me and ways they’ve shown me. It’s very meaningful to me and I say thank you.
Sean_Astin_live says: I love the technology age where I can communicate with everyone around the world.
Laubr5151 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks for everything Sean – I truly look forward to seeing you in future films – you are SO talented!
DishDiva says: Do you have a COMMENT you would like to get onstage? Click the submit question button and enter it now!!
DishDiva says: We’ll try to get as many as can up onstage!!
Mr-Nonickname in Onstage_1 asks: We love the technology where we can talk to our favorite actors!
Tsuta1 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks a whole lot for coming to talk to all of us! It’s been a real pleasure. Good luck in the future.
southernbelle_23 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, I love you in all you do. You are a wonderful actor.
åñgë£îç_§ûï©’ðê in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, you’ve come a long way in the entertainment business and I really hope to see you around for a long time in the future. Good luck!
mermaid4488 in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you so much Sean, I have been a fan since Goonies! You are amazing and keep up the awesome work!
Togart_Green in Onstage_1 asks: I loved the movies. Thanks for making a dream come true
SymposiacFabi in Onstage_1 asks: I love you Sean!! keep up the good work!
PatriciaF82 in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you for letting Sean answer my question.
ElberethElendil2 in Onstage_1 asks: I can’t believe I’m actually here! It has been AMAZING to see you! Thanx for coming!
theclassicrockjunkie in Onstage_1 asks: I am a huge fan Mr. Astin. Best wishes and God Bless. I hope to meet you in person some day!!!!!!!!!
¿TJ¿1 in Onstage_1 asks: Looking forward to seeing you in other movies
curious_mandy_gamgee in Onstage_1 asks: You are an inspiration to many people, Sean, especially me up here in Canada. Merry Christmas, YOU’RE MY HERO!
Isildae2 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks Sean!! We all love you!!
goonies_28 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, you’ve been my favourite actor. Thanks so much for everything. I have met you in person and you’re the nicest one ever =)
Endokryne246 in Onstage_1 asks: It’s so great that you appreciate your fans so much. I know I loved the Trilogy!
GildorInglorion1 in Onstage_1 asks: I’m a big fan of you Sean!! Thank you for being here today!
HannColl in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, thank you so much for being Our Sam and for all the joy you’ve given so many.
EJ0238 in Onstage_1 asks: God Bless you, Sean and all involved with this monumental feat.
bloodytears182 in Onstage_1 asks: I LOVE YOU SEAN GOOD LUCK!
MunggyWunggy2 in Onstage_1 asks: you’re very inspiring! you have no idea!
littledawnyk in Onstage_1 asks: you were hands down the BEST actor in the return of the king, sam really kicked butt!!!
WantsOlderWomen in Onstage_1 asks: Fantastico!!!!!! Thanks for the great performance Sean
simplybeingnadine in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you for chatting with us– good luck and god bless. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Beatlefan412 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean…I have been a major fan for so long. I love you! Thank you for coming!
GooniesGirl8 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean is such a great guy! Very open and honest, just amazing. He deserves every happiness and good thing. Sean rocks! Goonies never say die!!
Dejavu_85 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, congrats on the Lord of the Rings Movies, and thanks for coming and talking to us
Arwen_Undomiel_8708 in Onstage_1 asks: You’re amazing and thank you so much for bringing Sam to life!
Lunahobbit1 in Onstage_1 asks: I’ve gotten into helping the elderly because of your inspirational speech at GenUnited. Thank you Sean, it has blessed me.
Tippman8 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean is truly a wonderful actor a person!!!
mmgosset in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, you an an incredible and gifted actor..I am in awe of your talent keep up the good work!!!1
Samus45 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean, you rock. And Sam rocks. And there is general rocking all around. Yay.
IndigoAphrodisiac in Onstage_1 asks: I hope your future hold more entertainement, and I’m glad you get time to settle down and be a dad now.
SpazTheeHalfling in Onstage_1 asks: You, and the rest of the cast are my inspiration. THANK YOU!
Reesh2009 in Onstage_1 asks: I LOVE YOU SOOOO MUCH MAN
Mr-Nonickname in Onstage_1 asks: There couldnt be a better person to be Sam but you Sean!
dripping_with_punk in Onstage_1 asks: You’re so awesome! I wish only the best for you in the future! You’re a good soul and the fans really appreciate it.
SpazTheeHalfling in Onstage_1 asks: You are the one who has inspired me to get into acting, now I’m in ‘The hobbit’ play! THANK YOU SO MUCH! YOU RULE!
ickthus88the2nd in Onstage_1 asks: YOUR AN GREAT ACTOR KEEP IT UP BUT GET SOME REST AND MERRY CHRISTMAS
elfforest902 in Onstage_1 asks: Bye, you’re my favorite character.
WhereTheySellPints in Onstage_1 asks: Incredible. Amazing. Thanks for everything! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Sarumanly in Onstage_1 asks: Happy holidays, Sean! May the ponies nance!
¤ßаßγĐøłł¤ŦĭиꙤ in Onstage_1 asks: MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Iluvlegolas3 in Onstage_1 asks: SEAN YOUR REALLY AWESOME AND IM NOT SAYING IT BECAUSE EVERYONE ELSE IS I AM SAYING IT BECAUSE ITS TRUE
theLASTsymphony in Onstage_1 asks: You must honestly be overwhelmed by the number of times you recieve this comment, but you DESERVE every single “I love you, you’re AWESOME!”s that you get. Thanks SO much for coming, keep up the amazing work!
Beatlefan412 in Onstage_1 asks: Thank you for creating such an awesome Samwise. I love you.-Jessica from Evergreen, Colorado
hewene in Onstage_1 asks: You have made movie Sam and book Sam one and the same for me! Your portrayal is amazing!
Mr-Nonickname in Onstage_1 asks: You are one of the purest actors i have ever seen!
DomEntDraft in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks a lot Sean!! You’re amazing!!
Tippman8 in Onstage_1 asks: HAPPY Holidays to you and your family
IndigoAphrodisiac in Onstage_1 asks: Give hugs to all the rest of the cast members from all the fans. You all deserve it
djdeathskiss in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks for doing this chat- now go get some rest!!
sorchafeanor in Onstage_1 asks: You really made Sam feel real to me……..thanks so much
EveElera in Onstage_1 asks: Poor Sean, overloaded with comments. ^-^ (Laughs) Ah, well, you deserve it! You’re a brilliant actor and a wonderful person!
Jordinothepizza in Onstage_1 asks: You seem to be a very nice person, and truly took on the role of Sam….excellent job. Oustanding. Seeing your performance on screen was the highlight of seeing ROTK
beavis99999 in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks for being cool and stuff
Reesh2009 in Onstage_1 asks: BE SURE TO TELL BILLY I SAID HI!! AND I STILL LOVE YOU!!!
lotr311 in Onstage_1 asks: thank you soooooooo much for being here
Zeosoez in Onstage_1 asks: Your performance is nothing short of amazing. We all hope you take home that Oscar. All the best in the future, we all love you!
Panamapk in Onstage_1 asks: We will miss seeing you on the big screen as Sam! Good luck in your future projects! You are great!
x4kowal in Onstage_1 asks: you’re the greatest!!!!
Vssangel1 in Onstage_1 asks: Sean I hope you win an Oscar
southernbelle_23 in Onstage_1 asks: merry christmas and happy new year, sean!
Dejavu_85 in Onstage_1 asks: I loved the movie, and good luck with everything!! Merry Christmas!!
DomEntDraft in Onstage_1 asks: Thanks a lot!! Sam is the true hero of the trilogy! Thanks a lot for bringing him to life!!
WhereTheySellPints in Onstage_1 asks: Tell Billy the wacky loons in Alberta send him a huge hello from mario’s! Thanks Sean you rock!
Arwen_Undomiel_8708 in Onstage_1 asks: Hope you get an Oscar nod, I can’t think of anyone who deserves it more than you!
GildorInglorion1 in Onstage_1 asks: Have a safe Christmas and a Happy New Year!!
HappySmileyFaceOfDoom in Onstage_1 asks: Yeah, you deserve the Best Actor Oscar for your role as Sam!
MunggyWunggy2 in Onstage_1 asks: i can picture it now, you accepting the oscar with “rudy” playing in the background.. it’s your theme
Jenn_Thor in Onstage_1 asks: Well i gotta go! HOpe you have a great Christmas and New Year! God Bless.
GildorInglorion1 in Onstage_1 asks: (laughs) be sure to tell Dom I say hi!!!
Sarumanly in Onstage_1 asks: The “S__G ME BILLY!” girls say Happy Holidays!!!
FoolofATook04 in Onstage_1 asks: Sam was one of the best highlights in movies, you are truly a Hobbit
IndigoAphrodisiac in Onstage_1 asks: True… very wonderful person. And I don’t know what kind of holidays you celebrate, but I hope they’re good and full of.. what was that? REST!!
ChristmasSamweis in Onstage_1 asks: Sean we love all your work , thanks for coming and answering questions tonight. You rock!
ElberethElendil2 in Onstage_1 asks: MERRY CHRISTMAS! Thanx again!
lotrfanbabi in Onstage_1 asks: your talents absolutely stun me!!! your so amazing! thanks for doing a wonderful job as sam!
I love the site, it’s been my primary LotR news site since mid-2000. Merry Christmas!
Joel
