VITAL STATS:
Occupation: Actor, Director, Screenwriter
Date of Birth: August 17, 1960
Place of Birth: Burbank, Calif., USA
Education: High school
Relations: Father: Leo (actor, director); mother: Eileen Ryan (actress); brothers: Michael (actor, musician), Christopher (actor); wife: Robin Wright (actress); kids: Dylan, Hopper (both by Wright); ex-wife: Madonna

CONTACT:
Fan Mail: C/O William Morris Agency
151 El Camino Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
USA

BIOGRAPHY:
Sean Penn is considered to be the best actor of his generation, and in fact, there doesn't seem to be any real dispute about this either. Penn first gained praise for his portrayal of Jeff Spiccoli in the high school drama/comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Although he did a lot of acting in the 1980's, his personal life was where people focused their attention. Penn dated Madonna, had frequent run-ins with the law over assault charges and quickly became Hollywood's resident bad boy. Then in the late 80's and early 90's Penn focused his attention on acting once again, getting high marks for his performances in Colors, State of Grace, and Carlito's Way. Penn's next film was Dead Man Walking which earned Penn an Oscar nomination. Penn has dabbled in direction with The Indian Runner and The Crossing Guard. Penn has been given one of the more difficult roles in The Thin Red Line playing the cynical, sometimes sadistic Sgt. Welsh. And now playing is Hurly Burly which also stars Kevin Spacey.