Actor Chris Penn found dead

[alicia-w]

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, was found dead Tuesday at a condominium near the beach in Santa Monica, police said.

Police said they discovered the 40-year-old actor's body around 4 p.m. Lt. Frank Fabrega said there were no obvious signs of foul play.

Sean Penn's publicist, Mara Buxbaum, issued a statement saying that "the Penn family would appreciate the media's respect of their privacy during this difficult time."

Chris Penn's body was found inside the four-story condominium complex after police were called by someone from within the building, Fabrega said.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death, authorities said.

Chris Penn's credits included "Mulholland Falls," "Rumble Fish," "All the Right Moves," "Footloose" and "Rush Hour." He also played Nice Guy Eddie Cabot in the 1992 Quentin Tarantino crime drama "Reservoir Dogs."

His late father, Leo Penn, directed television shows. His mother, Eileen Ryan, is an actress whose credits include "I Am Sam," "Magnolia" and "Parenthood." Another brother is musician Michael Penn.

Chris Penn's latest film, "The Darwin Awards," was scheduled to premiere Wednesday at the Sundance Film Festival.

[arkess7]

how sad......i wonder what his cause of death was?

[GalvestonDuck]

OMG! How terrible!

I liked him a lot more than Sean Penn. He was great as Kevin Bacon's best friend Willard in Footloose and he also starred along side Lori Singer in Short Cuts and Made in USA. I often wondered if maybe they were romantically involved for a time since they were in so many pics together. But I think it was just the casting.

He'll be missed.

[Tstormwatcher]

I have from many different sources that said he was an a**hole. Thought he was better than everyone.

[Lindaloo]

I have from many different sources that said he was an a**hole. Thought he was better than everyone.

Regardless, his death is not good news. Rest in peace Chris.