Sean Penn Biography

With his several Oscar nominations, one Academy Award, and critically-acclaimed appearances in dozens of films, there is no denying that Sean Penn is an actor with immense talent. Throughout the years, however, he has also gained media attention for his stormy relationships, controversial political views, and frequent brushes with the law. Sean Penn was born on August 17th, 1960 in Santa Monica, California. The son of a successful actress-mother and director-father, it was not surprising that Sean also showed an interest in film. After several small parts on television shows, Penn had his first movie role in the 1981 film Taps. The next year, he played Jeff Spicoli, a loveable stoner/surfer in the 1982 cult classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High. During the 1990s Penn performed in some of biggest films of the decade, including Carlito's Way, and The Game. He earned three Oscar nominations for the films Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, and I Am Sam and was finally given his much-deserved recognition when he won the Academy award for Best Actor for his starring role in the 1993 film Mystic River, which was directed by Clint Eastwood. Since winning the coveted award, he has appeared in 21 Grams and All the King's Men. His siblings have also achieved success in the entertainment industry. His recently-deceased brother Chris Penn appeared extensively in television and film and brother Michael Penn is a musician who also appeared in the 1997 film Boogie Nights. Before marrying one of the biggest pop superstars of all time, Sean was briefly engaged to Pamela Springsteen, sister of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Bruce Springsteen. He has also been romantically linked with singer/songwriter Jewel Kilcher, known for songs such as You Were Meant for Me. Penn directed the music video for this hit in 1997, proving that the two are still on good terms. Both of these unions would ultimately end, and in August of 1995 Penn married pop icon Madonna, who is notorious for her provocative and sexual image. In attendance was famous pop artist Andy Warhol. The marriage saw Penn have several run-ins with the law. He was known for reacting violently against the constant media attention that their union attracted, and Penn was even charged with assault for attacking a member of the press. Before his split from Madonna in 1989, Penn was charged with domestic assault, which was later reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. Sean's current relationship is with Robin Wright Penn, who played Jenny in Forrest Gump, and can also be seen in the films White Oleander and The Princess Bride. They are married and have two children: daughter Dylan Frances and son Hopper Jack. Friends of the couple include Dennis Hopper, and ultra-famous actors Jack Nicholson and Robert De Niro. He and Oscar-winning actor Johnny Depp are part-owners of the popular Parisian restaurant Man Ray.

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