Sean Penn (Santa Monica, California, 1960) is an American actor and director, considered one of the greatest of his generation. He began with early roles but quickly demonstrated profound versatility.

He is known for his intense performances and his ability to radically transform himself for each role. His most iconic roles include the inmate Matthew Poncelet in "Dead Man Walking" (1995), which earned him his first Academy Award nomination, and his two Best Actor Oscars for Clint Eastwood's "Mystic River" (2003) and for his touching portrayal of politician Harvey Milk in "Milk" (2008).

Other significant films include "Carlito's Way" (1993), "21 Grams" (2003), and "I Am Sam" (2001). Penn is renowned for bringing complex characters to life, often tormented or morally ambiguous, with a magnetic screen presence.