Sean Penn as "Matthew Poncelet" in DEAD MAN WALKING (Gramercy) Sean Penn stars as "Matthew Poncelet" in DEAD MAN WALKING. He portrays a convicted murderer waiting execution who learns to trust and care for the nun who becomes his spiritual advisor. Penn began his acting career studying and working at the Los Angeles Group Repertory Theatre. He made his Broadway debut in Kevin Heelan's Heartland which led directly to his first screen role starring opposite Tom Cruise and Timothy Hutton in Taps. Penn's next role won him enormous popularity, starring as "Jeff Spicolo" in the ensemble cast of Amy Heckerling's Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Then, alternating between stage and screen, he starred in Bad Boys after which he returned to Broadway in the hit play Slab Boys followed by Richard Benjamin's romantic period drama Racing With The Moon. Sean also starred in the critically acclaimed The Falcon and The Snowman and At Close Range with Christopher Walken. In Carlito's Way, he was nominated for a Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe. Most recently, Penn has turned his attention to directing, making his debut with The Indian Runner starring Dennis Hopper, Charles Bronson and Patricia Arquette. His second directorial project was The Crossing Guard, which he wrote, produced and directed.

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