California native Sean Justin Penn was born in Santa Monica in August 1960. From playing a stoner in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Penn is now one of Hollywood's most respected actors, starring in highly acclaimed films like 1995's Dead Man Walking, 2001's I Am Sam 2003's Mystic River for which he won Best Actor. In February 2009, Penn won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of gay rights activist Harvey Milk.

The actor was married to Madonna from 1985 to 1989 before marrying actress Robin Wright in 1996. The couple filed for divorce in December 2007, but the petition was dismissed at their request five months later. In April 2009, Penn filed for "legal separation with minor children" after 13 years of marriage, though the separation was later called off.