Leo Penn - Actor Profile

Leo Penn

Directing
Updated: Apr 13, 2026
10Total Films
7.5 Highest Rated
Born: Aug 27, 1921
Birth Place: Lawrence, Massachusetts, USA

About Leo Penn

Leonard Francis Penn (August 27, 1921 – September 5, 1998) was an American actor and director. He was the father of musician Michael Penn and actors Sean Penn and Chris Penn.

Known For: Directing

Leo Penn Movies & Career Overview

The filmography of Leo Penn reflects a career marked by diverse experimentation. Across 10 major appearances, the actor has built a reputation through performances in multiple genres and storytelling styles.

Dominant Genre

A large portion of Leo Penn's work falls within the Drama genre, where audiences tend to respond most strongly to their on-screen presence.

Success Ratio

Approximately 20% of Leo Penn's films maintain ratings above 6.5, indicating a consistent level of audience approval.

One of the most highly rated entries in their career remains Birdman of Alcatraz, which stands out as a key performance.

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Best Leo Penn Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Leo Penn's career based on audience ratings.

★7.5
Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) movie poster
★7.5

Birdman of Alcatraz: After killing a prison guard, convict Robert Stroud faces life imprisonment in solitary confinement. Driven nearly mad b

Birdman of Alcatraz

1962•Drama
★6.8
Not Wanted (1949) movie poster
★6.8

Not Wanted: After a beautiful but unsophisticated girl is seduced by a worldly piano player and gives up her out-of-wedlock baby, he

Not Wanted

1949•Drama
★6.2
The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1986) movie poster
★6.2

The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer: After two attempts to kidnap a little girl Mike Hammer is hired to protect her.

The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer

1986•Crime
★6.0
The Undercover Man (1949) movie poster
★6.0

The Undercover Man: Frank Warren is a treasury agent assigned to put an end to the activities of a powerful mob crime boss. Frank works unde

The Undercover Man

1949•Crime
★6.0
The Crossing Guard (1995) movie poster
★6.0

The Crossing Guard: Unable to move on from the loss of his daughter, Freddy, now a shell of the person he was before, swears to kill the man

The Crossing Guard

1995•Drama

Full Filmography

Every movie Leo Penn has appeared in, with audience ratings and verdicts.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
1995 The Crossing Guard Hank Average Similar →
1986 The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer Leo Average Similar →
1984 The Wild Life Tom's Dad Average Similar →
1983 The Horse Dealers Daughter Dr. Lloyd Sloan Flop Similar →
1977 Sixth and Main Doc Flop Similar →
1962 Birdman of Alcatraz Eddie Kassellis (uncredited) Super Hit Similar →
1959 The Story on Page One Morrie Goetz Flop Similar →
1949 Not Wanted Steve Ryan Hit Similar →
1949 The Undercover Man Sidney Gordon Average Similar →
1947 Fall Guy Tom Cochrane Flop Similar →

Leo Penn - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Leo Penn?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Leo Penn is "Birdman of Alcatraz" with a rating of 7.5/10.

How many movies has Leo Penn acted in?

Leo Penn has been featured in at least 10 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Leo Penn?

Other notable films include "Not Wanted", "The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer", and "The Undercover Man".

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