Actor of the Week - Sean Penn

Sean Penn

Aug. 17, 1960 -

Let it be said, Sean Penn is one of American cinema's greatest actors. Who would've thunk it after watching Fast Times at Ridgemont High?

Penn was so convincing, in the 1982 high school romp, as a spaced out, searching for the next high, surfer dude, we automatically thought that's how he was in real life. Quite to the contrary in fact. What we didn't know at the time was Penn is a totally absorbed method actor who becomes his characters on and off the screen to create a more superb performance.

Penn has had no let up in his career since Fast Times. He stayed busy in the 80's and 90's with one excellent performance after another. In the 2000's he has simply put himself on another level when it comes to acting. Now an Oscar winner, Penn can pretty much pick and choose whatever role he desires. Luckily for us, he usually chooses well.

He has become known for his political views as of late. While I pretty much wholeheartedly disagree with everything he believes in, politically, I do commend him for his diligence to get involved on a personal level. What I don't like is his persistence to use his lofty status and public weight, as one of acting's best, as a bully pulpit to espouse his views.

Anyhow, enough with the politics. Penn has been an icon in Hollywood for almost 30yrs and seems to be in his stride. Here's looking forward to more great roles from a great actor.

Here are Sean Penn's acting credits in the 80's:

Hellinger's Law (1981) (TV)

The Killing of Randy Webster (1981) (TV)

Taps (1981)

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Summerspell (1983)

Bad Boys (1983)

Crackers (1984)

Racing with the Moon (1984)

The Falcon and the Snowman (1985)

At Close Range (1986)

Shanghai Surprise (1986)

Colors (1988)

Judgement in Berlin (1988)

Casualties of War (1989)

We're No Angels (1989)

I'll be typin' at ya later,

Bob the Blogger