Actor Chris Penn found dead

ACTOR Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, was found dead on Tuesday at his condominium near the beach in Santa Monica.

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

Sean Penn’s publicist, Mara Buxbaum, issued a statement saying: “The Penn family would appreciate the media’s respect of their privacy during this difficult time.”

Authorities were called to the complex by Penn’s housekeeper. Penn’s body was found in bed. An autopsy will determine 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 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.

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