The Lord of the Rings is one of the most successful film franchises in cinematic history. Winner of a record 17 Academy Awards and breaking box office records worldwide, the trilogy is a breathtaking cinematic achievement beloved by fans everywhere.
For Sean Astin, a Hollywood child (son of Patty Duke and John Astin) who made his feature film debut at 13 in the 1980s classic The Goonies and played the title role in Rudy, the call from his agent about the role of Samwise Gamgee couldn't have come at a better time. His career was at a low point and choice roles were hard to come by. His 18-month experience in New Zealand with director Peter Jackson and the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings films would be more than simply a dream come true — it would prove to be the challenge of a lifetime.
"There and Back Again: An Actor's Tale" is the personal memoir of Sean Astin, from his early days in Hollywood to the movie role that changed his life. Though much has been written about the making of the films, Sean's first hand story of what took place on the set has never before been told.
Sean's candid account of his 24 years of professional acting experience culminating in The Lord of the Rings provides an unparalleled perspective. More than a companion guide to the Rings films, "There and Back Again" is filled with stories from the set about the actors and filmmakers who joined together to bring Tolkien's vision to life. It's an eye-opening tale told by a Hollywood veteran, of the blood, sweat and tears that went into the making of some of the most ambitious and successful films of all times.
Published by: St. Martin's Press (US) and Virgin Books (UK)
