Real Talk

Movie icon Sean Astin shares personal story at Houston luncheon

When it comes to heart, Sean Astin plays every scene like it matters — and that energy lit up the ballroom at the River Oaks Country Club for the Christus Foundation for HealthCare’s 21st Annual Spring Luncheon on March 28.

The celebrated actor and director, best known for iconic roles in The Goonies, Rudy, and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, sat down with 610 Sports Radio’s Sean Pendergast for a conversation that moved from silver screen tales to a stirring call for mental health awareness. Reflecting on the impact of his mother Patty Duke’s bipolar diagnosis, Astin offered heartfelt insights on compassion and advocacy in the face of today’s growing mental health crisis.

His candid recollections were met with laughter, especially when he noted the uncanny similarity of his death scenes in both 24 and Stranger Things. Naturally, his underdog triumph in Rudy came up—a role that continues to inspire dreamers to suit up and keep going, no matter the odds.

Chaired by Terra Seidel and Margaret O’Donnell, the luncheon raised $243,000 to benefit mental health programs. The Houston Philanthropy Circle was honored with the Legacy Award for its unwavering support of underserved communities.

Among the mental health advocates were Raye White, Sr. Celeste Trahan, Madelyn and George Farris, Carolyn and Bill Forney, Ginnie and Tim McConn, Donnie Avery, Ray Vitulli, Kristi and Martin Gollwitzer, and Alyx and Paul Penland.

Christus Foundation for HealthCare spring 2025 luncheon

Photo by Chris Bailey Photography

Jonathan Frels and Edmund Robb.

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long live the king

Texas Renaissance Festival founder George Coulam has died at 87

Film still from Ren Faire

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George Coulam, the founder and owner of the Texas Renaissance festival, was found dead in his home on Tuesday. He was 87, according to media reports.

Coulam’s death comes two weeks after a Grimes County judge found against him, forcing the sale of the festival to new owner Meril Rivard. Although untimely, Coulam’s death is unlikely to affect the new ownership deal, according to Anthony Laporte, lead counsel on the case.

“Because this deal is primarily with corporate entities, everything should progress without too much interruption,” Laporte tells CultureMap. “Obviously this is a sad day for those of us who knew George. We all mourn together, but it is unlikely to affect the way the new Renaissance Festival deal proceeds.

Rivard issued a brief statement following the news.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death of George Coulam,” it reads. “Our thoughts go out to his loved ones. Like everyone else who loves the Texas Renaissance Festival, we remain committed to ensuring that the festival lives on, and we are working steadfastly to make that happen.”

The Texas Renaissance Festival also issued a statement.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of George Coulam, founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival. For more than 50 years, he built a community that has become a cherished tradition for generations of performers, staff, and guests.

At this time, we ask for respect and privacy for Mr. Coulam’s family and the extended Texas Renaissance Festival family as they grieve. As this is a deeply personal matter, we are not offering additional comments at this time.

The cause of death is currently unknown. Grimes County sheriffs were notified of his death at 9 am Tuesday morning. Bystanders reported seeing an ambulance leave Coulam’s home, which is known as Stargate Manor. The Navasota Examiner, which was first to report the news, includes an account of gunshots being heard near the home.

Regardless of the circumstances, Laporte said that after the recent judgment that forced the sale, everyone, including Coulam, seemed relieved and happy that the matter had been resolved.

Coulam’s death ends a long and sometimes toxic reign over the Texas Renaissance Festival. Over the past two decades, Coulam was sued multiple times for sexual harassment of employees. The HBO docuseries Ren Faire showcased Coulam’s mercurial nature in dealing with potential buyers of the festival while also offering glimpses into his “sugar daddy” dating life.

Following the release of Ren Faire, several corporate entities sued Coulam for breach of contract. The case came to a close this month, with a judge saying the $60 million sale must go through. Coulam also owes Rivard and the other plaintiffs $22 million in damages and $1 million in lawyer fees.

As CultureMap has previously reported, the Texas Renaissance Festival is expected to proceed as planned, with an opening in October 2025.

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