Sean Penn

Sean Penn is an actor and film director known for his significant roles in a variety of films, including "Taps," "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Mystic River," and "Milk." Aside from his renowned acting career, Penn has also made his mark as a filmmaker, earning acclaim for directing films such as "The Indian Runner," "The Crossing Guard," and "Into the Wild." His extensive contributions to the film industry have garnered him numerous accolades, including two Academy Awards for Best Actor.

Despite announcing an end to his acting career, Penn made a remarkable return in 1993, taking on the role of a troubled criminal lawyer in Brian De Palma's "Carlito's Way," starring opposite Al Pacino. His riveting performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best-supporting actor. 1995 marked a significant year for Penn as he portrayed a death row inmate in "Dead Man Walking" and wrote, produced, and directed "The Crossing Guard," a dark drama featuring Jack Nicholson. His portrayal of the first openly gay politician, Harvey Milk, in the 2008 film "Milk," earned him his second Academy Award for Best Actor. In recent years, Penn has appeared in TV shows like "The First" and "Gaslit."

Penn's activism work extends beyond the screen. He has been vocal in his criticism of the George W. Bush administration and has maintained contact with the Presidents of Cuba and Venezuela. Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Penn was actively involved in humanitarian relief efforts. He also founded the nonprofit organization Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE), which has provided aid in Haiti and administered free COVID-19 diagnostic tests in the U.S.