Sean Astin played Samwise Gamgee in Peter Jackson’s film trilogy based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings.
Astin portrayed Sam in The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, released between 2001 and 2003. His performance presents Sam as Frodo’s gardener, companion and most steadfast protector during the journey from the Shire to Mordor.
In Tolkien’s novel, Sam’s loyalty is essential to the quest. He carries Frodo after the Ring-bearer loses the strength to continue, helps resist the influence of the Ring and eventually becomes central to the restoration of the Shire. The films emphasize these qualities through scenes such as Sam’s speech near the end of The Two Towers.
Elijah Wood played Frodo, while Billy Boyd played Pippin and Dominic Monaghan played Merry. Those four actors are often grouped together because their characters begin the story as friends from the Shire.