Chris Penn was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Reservoir Dogs, Footloose, and The Funeral. Born on October 10, 1965, in Los Angeles, California, he came from a notable family in the entertainment industry, being the son of actress Eileen Ryan and director Leo Penn.
Personal and Family Life
Chris Penn was the third son in his family, with two siblings: Sean Penn, an acclaimed actor, and Michael Penn, a musician. His father had Lithuanian and Russian Jewish roots, while his mother was of half-Italian and half-Irish descent. Chris began acting at a young age, inspired by his family’s artistic background.
Career
Chris Penn started his acting career at just twelve years old. He made his film debut in Charlie and the Talking Buzzard (1979) and quickly gained recognition after starring in several popular films, such as Footloose (1984) and Reservoir Dogs (1992). Known for his roles as intense characters, he often portrayed violent criminals or law enforcement officials throughout his career.
Death and Legacy
Chris Penn passed away on January 24, 2006, in Santa Monica, California, due to complications from heart disease. He was only 40 years old at the time of his death. Despite battling personal issues, he left a significant mark in the film industry and is remembered for his contributions, especially in independent cinema.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Rumble Fish | 1983-10-09 | B.J. Jackson |
| True Romance | 1993-09-09 | Nicky Dimes |
| Reservoir Dogs | 1992-09-02 | “Nice Guy” Eddie Cabot |
| Short Cuts | 1993-09-05 | Jerry Kaiser |
| Footloose | 1984-02-17 | Willard |
| Rush Hour | 1998-09-18 | Clive |
| Beethoven’s 2nd | 1993-12-14 | Floyd |
| After the Sunset | 2004-11-12 | Rowdy Fan |
| Mulholland Falls | 1996-04-26 | Arthur Relyea |
| The Funeral | 1996-01-26 | Chez Tempio |
| Best of the Best | 1989-11-10 | Travis Brickley |
| To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar | 1995-09-07 | Sheriff Dollard |
| Starsky & Hutch | 2004-03-05 | Manetti |
| Corky Romano | 2001-10-12 | Peter Romano |
| The Boys Club | 1996-01-01 | Luke |
| Law & Order: Criminal Intent | 2001-09-30 | Tommy Onerato |
| CSI: Miami | 2002-09-23 | Pete Wilton |