Sean Penn beyond the reel: 9 intriguing lesser-known titbits about the American actor

Well-known actor and filmmaker, Sean Penn has had a visionary career. On his 63rd birthday today, here we list down 9 lesser known facts.

Outlook International Desk

Updated on: 16 August 2023 5:29 pm

American actor Sean Penn

Sean Penn is a name synonymous with Hollywood's A-list and the silver screen's most captivating performances. The actor turns 63 today. Beyond his well-documented career, here are some lesser-known facts about the American actor:

Sean Penn was once jailed

In 1987, movie extra Jeffrey Klein captured a picture of Penn against his will when he was filming Colors. Penn punched Klein, leading him to a 60-day jail term. Penn spent 32 days behind bars in Mono County.

Penn once penned a letter to president Bush

In 2002, Sean Penn made a courageous gesture by taking out an entire page in the Washington Post to publish an open letter addressed to President George W. Bush. He urged the President to reconsider his position on the war.

He has worked with eight Oscar-winning directors

Sean Penn has had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed Oscar-winning directors such as John Schlesinger and Oliver Stone.

He once pretended to be a journalist in order to travel to Iran

In 2005, discreetly and under disguise, Sean Penn traveled to Iran with the purpose of providing coverage for the San Francisco Chronicle regarding an impending election campaign.

Penn believes Malcolm McDowell is the greatest actor

Sean Penn has had the honor of working with some of the finest actors in history, but he has said that A Clockwork Orange (1971) actor Malcolm McDowell is the best of all of them. Penn has lauded McDowell's creativity and professionalism while working with him on a number of projects.

Sean Penn is an avid surfer

Sean Penn enjoys surfing a lot, frequently going out on the waves on his favorite California beaches. Since he was a small child, he has been an avid surfer.

Penn served as the Jury President for the Cannes Film Festival

In 2008, Sean Penn received the esteemed designation of serving as the Jury President for the esteemed Cannes Film Festival. The festival took place from May 14 to 25, 2008.

8. Penn inspired a Madonna album; True Blue (1986)

Madonna, who was Penn's then-wife, reportedly found inspiration from him for her 1986 album True Blue. The album set records by being the first to ever top the charts in 28 different nations.

9. Robert De Niro inspired Penn to act

Penn attributes his desire to pursue an acting career to Robert De Niro, who is 17 years his senior. At the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards in 2003, Penn stated, "It can fairly be said that Robert De Niro is the reason I became an actor."