The Panel Room was busting at the seams with a full house in attendance. Everyone seemed to love Sean Astin. It didn’t always matter what they loved him but for Sean himself.
The staff at the local Springfield Alamo Draft house introduced Sean. They mentioned how they wanted to give him a gift from his biggest role. In a funny turn of events, it was the mesh workout shirt with all the holes from 50 First Dates.
He mentioned that his character in 50 First Dates differed greatly from the character he read for. The original version of the character was going to be intellectual. Instead, his character was the workout-focused brother.
Sean was asked about competing in marathons and triathlons. He was asked, “Why do you hate yourself?” Sean replied “Pain is an interesting theme. All of our moms went through pain.” He stated that he goes into another mode of achievement and motivation. He stated finishing his first marathons was “One of the greatest days of my life.” He also joked about his most comic conventions have some of the most sports-focused people around. He realized that tomorrow is the Super Bowl and many people in Springfield are huge Kansas City Chiefs fans.
He did reveal the answer we all want to know. What is the best way to have Taters? He answered with Au Gratin. Then laughed and said, why limit yourself?
Sean was asked about Enchino Man. In response to his favorite scene, Sean joked that it was “Kissing the girl at the end” and went on to state that his wife hates that answer. Sean revealed that he didn’t have a great time on the set of Enchino Man because he saw himself as a serious actor. He confirmed he had to take himself less serious and learn to have fun. He went on to share that even though he thought it was silly, he worked hard on the movie. He referenced the scene where he dove into the swimming pole hole to save the bowl. This scene was a nod to Risky Business. He did numerous takes on this because he wanted to get it right and ended up giving himself a concussion. The studio sent him a helmet to wear so he wouldn’t get further hurt.
Astin did voice the latest version of Raphel for the new animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles cartoon.
Sean discussed his time on Stranger Things. He stated that Bob was too nice of a guy but loved playing him. Sean called up the Dufers and said “What if Bob was just a spy on Joyce for the mindflayer?” Unfortunately, they didn’t go for this.
“With you leave of success, how do you stay down to Earth?” was a question asked to Astin. He laughed and stated “I am married with 3 daughters. I know I am the least of them.” Sean went on to talk about being raised by famous parents that were down to Earth. He stated his father gave some sage advice like ‘Put yourself in the other guy’s shoes”, “Two Wrongs don’t make a right”, and “All human interactions are sacred.”
One of the people asking questions stated they are an Aspiring actor”. Sean asked them what they were doing currently. The person is acting in some smaller settings and schools. Sean stated, “You are already an actor.” The crowd exploded in applause. Sean went on and stated, “The key is to work hard.” Austin stated that most actors aren’t worried about money but want to Work.
Sean was asked who was his favorite person from the Lord of the Rings films. Sean stated that is an impossible choice. He eventually stated if he had to pick, he would pick Elijah Woods because they spent 2 years in each other arms.
Astin is working on Master’s degree- in administration.
The line to ask questions for Sean was mammoth. The fans lined up early and continued to join the line. At 20 till the top of the hour, Sean examined the line and stated “Better book this room longer because I am not leaving this line”. They weren’t able to do that many didn’t get to ask their questions.
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