RIP Chris Penn (1962-2006)*

Actor Chris Penn, younger brother to OSCAR winner Sean Penn, has been found dead in his Santa Monica California home. An autopsy to determine the cause of death found there were no signs of foul play, further tests are pending, police officials said. He was 43 years old *(some bio data has his age at 40).

Despite following in his more well known brother's footsteps, Chris was still able to carve out quite a film career all his own. One that was filled with many memorable roles. His appearances in Rumble Fish, Footloose, Rush Hour and my favorite Quentin Tarantino-directed flick, Reservoir Dogs, are among his best work, in the more than 50 films he had done

His latest film, The Darwin Awards, is still set to premiere tonight at the Sundance Film Festival.

A talented character actor cut down in his prime...