Sean Astin

Co-starred in the romantic comedy, "What Love Is"

Re-teamed with Adam Sandler in the comedy "Click" directed by Frank Coraci

Appeared with real life mother Patty Duke in the comedy "Bigger Than the Sky"

Joined the cast of the Fox drama "24," as a new addition to the Counter Terrorist Unit

Cast as Drew Barrymore's brother in the comedy "50 First Dates"

Appeared the third and final episode in Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's revered trilogy "Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King"

Appeared as an ambitious screenwriter in the Burt Reynolds vehicle "The Last Producer"; aired on USA Network in lieu of a theatrical release

Cast as hobbit Samwise 'Sam' Gamgee in Peter Jackson's film version of the J.R.R. Tolkein classic "The Lord of the Rings" (filmed in 1999-2000); released in three parts over three years: "The Fellowship of the Ring" (2001), "The Two Towers" (2002) and "The Return of the King" (2003)

Played a redneck snowbound in a Colorado diner with the US President in "Deterrence"

Co-starred with Warren Beatty in "Bulworth"

Had featured role in "Courage Under Fire"

Played title role in the Showtime TV-movie "Kurt Vonnegut's 'Harrison Bergeron'"

Directed live action short film, "Kangaroo Court", featuring Michael O'Keefe and Gregory Hines; received Oscar nomination for Best Short Subject

Cast in the title role as a wannabe college football player in "Rudy", based on a true story

Had box-office hit with "Encino Man"

Played heroic lead in "Toy Soldiers"

Appeared in the ensemble of the WWII drama "Memphis Belle"

Directed first short, "On My Honor", a 20-minute, 35mm film about an encounter between an American G.I. and a Vietnamese soldier (date approximate)

Played first leading role in features in "The Goonies"

Appeared in pilot for the short-lived ABC comedy series, "Just Our Luck"; directed by his father John (date approximate)

First TV miniseries, "The Rules of Marriage" (CBS)

First professional acting job, at age nine, opposite his mother in "Please Don't Hit Me, Mom", an "ABC Afterschool Special"

Acted onstage in Los Angeles in "Lone Star"

Formed Lava Entertainment production company with Milton Justice