WATCH: One-on-one with actor, advocate Sean Astin

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - What is it like to grow up with a famous mother who’s also publicly and privately battling mental illness?

Actor Sean Astin opens up about his life in the latest Hear me. See me. podcast.

The ‘Lord of the Rings’ and ‘Stranger Things’ star shares how he reconciled experiencing physical and emotional abuse from his mother, actress Patty Duke, with the love and support he also felt from her.

He also reflects on the understanding of her diagnosis with bipolar disorder that makes him passionate about continuing his mother’s advocacy, and appreciate the gifts he says she gave him.