Sean Astin at RingCon 2012 Born on February 25, 1971, Sean Astin turned 43 yesterday!

Astin — actor, director, voice artist and producer — is, of course, best known to Tolkien fans as Sam Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s adaptation of The Lord of the Rings, but has also made his mark in a career spanning more than 70 films roles, including The Goonies, Toy Soldiers, 50 First Dates and as the indomitable, never-say-die working class hero of Rudy.

He’s played a recurring guest role in the TV series 24 and has written and directed two short films — the academy award nominated Kangaroo Court and The Long And the Short Of It.

From your friends here at TheOneRing.net, Happy Birthday Sean!

Sam Gamgee