Sean Penn looked noticeably different when he appeared on a new podcast episode with British journalist Louis Theroux. The interview, recorded in his Malibu home, featured Penn smoking on the couch while chatting about politics, personal stories, and past relationships, including his high-profile marriage to Madonna.
Though the conversation touched on everything from Donald Trump to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, most attention went to Penn’s appearance. With grey hair, tired eyes, and a cut across his nose, his fans quickly shared their reactions across social media platforms.
Sean Penn’s disheveled appearance had fans concerned
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Many viewers left comments on both YouTube and Instagram. Some were confused by how much Penn had aged, saying he looked much older than 64. One person compared him to someone in their eighties. Others noted the drastic change in his appearance, with questions about how fast he seemed to age and whether this was the result of stress, health, or simply time.
Still, not all reactions were negative. Some users defended Penn and called for a more accepting attitude towards natural aging. They pointed out that most people do not stay camera-ready forever, and aging in public is rarely met with kindness. A few also mentioned that Penn should be respected for his long career, rather than judged for physical changes.
Sean Penn’s Hollywood journey
Despite the comments about his looks, Penn’s work in Hollywood has remained consistent. He first gained popularity in the early 1980s with roles in movies like Fast Times at Ridgemont High. Later, he shifted into more serious roles, earning major awards for performances in Mystic River and Milk. He has also directed films, with Into the Wild standing out as one of his best-known projects behind the camera.
He isn’t slowing down yet. Penn will soon appear in One Battle After Another, a $175 million film directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The movie stars major names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, and Benicio del Toro. Penn plays Col. Steven J. Lockjaw, and the film is scheduled to premiere on September 26.