Actor and sibling of Sean Penn, he passed away at the age of 40 due to heart disease. Among his most recognized performances are in the films All the Right Moves, The Funeral, and True Romance. Over the course of a lengthy and productive career, he built up an impressive filmography of more than 70 acting roles.
Before he became well-known, he landed his very first part at the age of 12 in the movie Charlie and the Talking Buzzard. During his high school years, he collaborated with his brother Sean on a series of short films, often joined by a group of friends who would later become famous actors, including Rob Lowe and Emilio Estevez. He also had another brother, Michael, making him one of three siblings in total.
He first started gaining attention with his early roles, and one of his first films was Footloose, which helped set the stage for his career. Over time, he became widely recognized for his performances in several standout movies. He appeared in the 1985 film Pale Rider, a role that showcased his emerging talent. Then, in 1992, he made a strong impression in Reservoir Dogs, further solidifying his place in Hollywood. Later on, he also starred in the 1998 hit Rush Hour, a film that brought him even more recognition. Throughout his journey, he consistently delivered memorable performances, and he truly made a name for himself across these iconic films. He proved time and again that he had what it takes to stand out, and he continues to be remembered for the impact he made.