Name: Sean Penn

Film: "All the King's Men"

Born: Aug. 17, 1960 (Santa Monica, Calif.)

Bio:
Often hailed as the finest actor of his generation, Sean Penn's breakout role came in an unlikely spot: as stoned surfer dude Jeff Spicoli in 1982's teen classic "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." The brooding, intense, versatile Penn would go on to prove himself with a series of riveting dramatic performances. A brief marriage to pop superstar Madonna in the mid-'80s (including their ill-suited pairing in the movie "Shangai Surprise") and his outspoken stand on political issues such as the war in Iraq have done little to sidetrack Penn's career, which culminated in a best actor Oscar for 2003's "Mystic River."

Credits:
"All the King's Men" (2005)
"The Interpreter" (2005)
"The Assassination of Richard Nixon" (2004)
"21 Grams" (2003)
"Mystic River" (2003) Won best actor Oscar and best actor Golden Globe
"It's All About Love" (2003)
"I Am Sam" (2001) Nominated for best actor Oscar
"The Weight of Water" (2000)
"Before Night Falls" (2000)
"Up at the Villa" (2000)
"Sweet and Lowdown" (1999) Nominated for best actor Oscar and best actor Golden Globe
"The Thin Red Line" (1998)
"Hurlyburly" (1998)
"Hugo Pool" (1997)
"The Game" (1997)
"U Turn" (1997)
"She's So Lovely" (1997)
"Loved" (1997)
"Dead Man Walking" (1995) Nominated for best actor Oscar and best actor Golden Globe
"Carlito's Way" (1993)
"Cruise Control" (1992)
"State of Grace" (1990)
"We're No Angels" (1989)
"Casualties of War" (1989)
"Judgment in Berlin" (1988)
"Colors" (1988)
"Cool Blue" (1988)
"Shanghai Surprise" (1986)
"At Close Range" (1986)
"The Falcon and the Snowman" (1985)
"Racing with the Moon" (1984)
"Crackers" (1984)
"Bad Boys" (1983)
"Summerspell" (1983)
"Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982)
"Taps" (1981)
"The Killing of Randy Webster" (1981) (TV)
"Hellinger's Law" (1981) (TV)


Notable: Penn, who is married to actress Robin Wright Penn, boasts a lengthy showbiz pedigree. His mother is actress Eileen Ryan, his father is director Leo Penn; his brothers are actor Chris Penn and musician Michael Penn (who is married to fellow musician Aimee Mann).