Sean Penn Biography

Sean Penn, actor

Birthdate: August 17, 1960

Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA

Sign: Leo

Sean Justin Penn was born in Los Angeles, California to father Leo Penn, an actor and director, and Eileen Ryan, an actress. Penn was one of three boys, Michael Penn, a musician, and Chris Penn, also an actor who died in 2006 of an enlarged heart.

Penn started his acting career in 1974, appearing the television series "Little House on the Prairie," while his father directed a couple of episodes. He hit the big screen in the film "Taps" in 1981 and became more well-known and gained a household name after his role as stoner Jeff Spicoli on "Fast Times at Ridgemont High."

In 1983, he took on the role of Mick O'Brien in "Bad Boys." It was a role that garnered great reviews and let Hollywood begin to take him more seriously as a talented actor. Another memorable performance was as Andrew Daulton Lee in "The Falcon and the Snowman."

Soon after, he starred in "At Close Range" opposite Christopher Walken in 1986. Penn was nominated for his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Dead Man Walking," playing a racist murderer sentenced to death row. His was also nominated for his role as a mentally challenged father in "I am Sam," but won his first Academy award in 2003 in Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River."

Other movies include "Sweet and Lowdown," "The Assassination of Richard Nixon," "Racing with the Moon" and "All the King's Men." He won his second award from the Academy in 2008, portraying gay politician Harvey Milk in "Milk."

Penn ventured over to directing in 1991, making his debut in "The Indian Runner." He also directed Shania Twain's music video "Dance with the One That Brought You" and Peter Gabriel's "The Barry Williams Show." He later directed the films "The Crossing Guard" in 1995, "The Pledge" in 2001 and "Into the Wild" in 2007.

Penn has been well-known in Hollywood for dating various actresses including Elizabeth McGovern, Susan Sarandon and singer Jewel. In 1985, he married pop star Madonna, but they divorced in 1989. He began a relationship with Robin Wright, who had their first child Dylan Frances in 1991 and second child Hopper Jack in 1993. The two were married in 1996. It was announced in December of 2007 that the couple were divorcing, but the proceeding were halted in April of 2008.