This post was updated April 16 at 10:01 p.m.
Class of 2024 Bruins will hear from UCLA alumnus and actor Sean Astin at the UCLA College commencement June 14, the university announced Tuesday.
Astin graduated from UCLA with honors in 1997 after transferring from Los Angeles Valley College. He studied American literature and culture and history, according to the UCLA Newsroom press release. He will deliver the keynote address at all three UCLA College commencement ceremonies in Pauley Pavilion, which are scheduled for 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“I’m thrilled to be returning to Westwood to speak to the class of 2024,” Astin said in the press release. “Graduating from UCLA was an incredibly proud moment in my life. I’m excited to celebrate alongside my fellow Bruins and offer some words of encouragement and inspiration as they begin their post-college journey.”
He made his film debut at 13 as Mikey in “The Goonies” and has since acted as Samwise Gamgee in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy and Bob Newby in the Netflix show “Stranger Things,” among other projects. He has also voice acted in various TV series, including as Raphael in “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and the Narrator in “The Epic Tales of Captain Underpants.”
Astin, who is also an activist, serves on the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists’ National Board as an executive committee member. He also serves on the board of the union’s LA branch and served on the national committee amid new contract negotiations with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, ultimately leading to the end of the union’s nearly four-month strike.
[Related: SAG-AFTRA reaches tentative deal with studios to end historic strike]
Astin has also been an active UCLA Alumni Association volunteer by judging Spring Sing competitions and attending the Entertainment Networking Night, events sponsored by the Student Alumni Association.
Astin is also an advocate and volunteer for issues regarding the climate, literacy, mental health and civic engagement.
“Throughout his career, Sean Astin has inspired millions through his portrayal of passionate, brave and strong characters,” said Miguel García-Garibay, senior dean of the UCLA College and dean of physical sciences, in the press release. “He brings those values into his own life, advocating not only alongside his fellow actors in the most recent actors’ strike but also for mental health resources in his community. We’re thrilled to have him share his wisdom with our graduating seniors.”
