Chris Penn, supporting actor extraordinaire, tough guy co-star of RESERVOIR DOGS, MULHOLLAND FALLS and AT CLOSE RANGE, was found dead in his Santa Monica home at the age of 41.Read on for more details…
Chris Penn was found dead in his Santa Monica condominium late yesterday afternoon.Few details have been released, but foul play has been ruled out.Chris Penn was the son of TV Director and Actor Leo Penn and Actress Eileen Ryan. Chris made his screen debut in 1979 in CHARLIE AND THE TALKING BUZZARD, a B-grade kid flick. By 1983, at the age of 18, he was appearing in highly acclaimed ensemble films for directors like Francis Ford Coppola (RUMBLE FISH) and co-starring in beloved 80’s teen flicks ALL THE RIGHT MOVES and FOOTLOOSE.In 1985/86 he set himself on a long career as a reliable character actor/thug with parts in Clint Eastwood’s PALE RIDER and aside his brother, Sean, in AT CLOSE RANGE.In the 90’s Chris Penn became a household name, appearing as “Nice Guy” Eddie in the legendary indie flick RESERVOIR DOGS and following up with parts in TRUE ROMANCE, Robert Altman’s SHORT CUTS, MULLHOLLAND FALLS, Abel Ferrara’s THE FUNERAL, DECEIVER and the original RUSH HOUR.Into the new millenium, Chris kept very busy, with TV appearances in everything from WILL & GRACE to CSI:MIAMI, and 17 feature films including the comedies STEALING HARVARD and STARSKY & HUTCH as well as the underrated Pierce Brosnan thriller AFTER THE SUNSET and the upcoming DARWIN AWARDS with Joseph Fiennes and Winona Ryder.He was a fine actor and a guy who loved a good joke or a good f’n movie. He will be sorely missed by fans of all genres and will, doubtless, be fondly remembered for both his contribution to film and his happy-go-lucky demeanor.R.I.P.
