Sean Penn

Biography

Sean Justin Penn, born August 17, 1960, in Santa Monica, California, is an American actor, director, and activist. The son of actor-director Leo Penn and actress Eileen Ryan, he began his career in the 1970s, making his film debut in Taps (1981). He gained widespread recognition with his role as Jeff Spicoli in Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982). Penn's intense performances earned him two Academy Awards for Best Actor: for Mystic River (2003) and Milk (2008). He has also directed several films, including Into the Wild (2007), which received critical acclaim. Beyond his film career, Penn is known for his political activism. He has been outspoken on various issues, including U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian efforts. He has also been involved in disaster relief efforts, notably in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. In 2023, he co-directed the documentary Superpower, focusing on Ukraine's resistance during the Russian invasion. Penn's personal life has also attracted media attention, including his marriages to Madonna and Robin Wright.