On April 12 from 2-3:15 p.m., actor Sean Astin spoke at the University of Central Missouri’s Jerry M. Hughes Athletic Center about mental health, civic participation and his career. The event was free and open to the public, resulting in an turnout of roughly 3,500-4,000 people, according to the estimate of Alumni and Events Coordinator Rebecca Eidson.
“Hearing him speak was a good reminder that even someone as successful as he is went through some really hard stuff and that being in pain and feeling like you’re on your own doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to fix it or make your situation better,” said senior Katy Carter, who attended the speech.
Astin, who starred in films such as “The Goonies” and “The Lord of the Rings”, discussed emotions, healing and his complex but ultimately fulfilling relationship with his mother, actress Patty Duke, who suffered from bipolar disorder. In a private interview with the Muleskinner, Astin explained that he aims to encourage others to discuss mental health through his speeches.
“Really sharing my family’s story of activism and advocacy, which is rooted in trauma in our family, it clearly has an impact on people…” said Astin. “Just to have someone modeling openness gives a sense of comfort, I think.”
Along with mental health, Astin discussed the importance of civic duty and education. When asked if he had advice for college students, Astin encouraged students to make their time count in college, have fun, put themselves out there and care about their work.
“The message is to care,” Astin said. “We come up with so many reasons why not to care about stuff, and it’s a trap. It’s a trap that we set for ourselves, because society will always try and stop you. Society will give you a million reasons to be distracted… So whatever anyone is experiencing out there today, they have the opportunity to try and give of themselves. Hard work pays off.”
Astin also answered audience members’ questions about his career, discussed his experiences working with other actors and quoted lines from some of his most famous films.
“My biggest takeaway, and the part that meant the most to me, was where he referenced and, if I’m not mistaken, quoted verbatim one of the lines he had as Samwise Gamgee, talking of how there is still good in the world and how that is what’s worth fighting for. That line inspires hope in me for the possibility of tomorrow,” Tali Roe, a resident of Warrensburg who attended the event, said.
At the end of his speech, Astin was asked what he hoped his audience would remember. He chose a phrase he spoke years ago, which he explained had become his theme.
“People will root for anyone who shows them their heart,” said Astin.
Astin’s visit was part of the Oppenheimer Symposium Series, a philanthropic endowment dedicated exclusively to bringing lecturers to campus. According to Tiffany Cochran, Senior Director of Events and Alumni Engagement, UCM plans to establish a regular routine to bring in more speakers in the future.
