Reservoir Dogs' Penn found dead

Actor Chris Penn, the younger brother of Sean Penn, has been found dead at his home in Santa Monica, California.

Penn, who was in his 40s, starred in Reservoir Dogs as Nice Guy Eddie, as well as Mulholland Falls and Rush Hour.

Police said there were no obvious signs of foul play. A post-mortem examination will determine the cause of death.

Penn's latest film, The Darwin Awards, was scheduled to have its premiere on Wednesday at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City Utah.

Police said the actor was 40 years old but other sources indicated that he was 43.

He features alongside Winona Ryder, Joseph Fiennes and David Arquette in the comedy adventure.

Penn family
Star family: Sean Penn, Eileen Ryan, Chris and Michael Penn
Penn's body was found inside the four-storey condominium complex where he lived after police were called by someone within the building.

His mother, Eileen Ryan is an actress whose credits include I Am Sam, Magnolia and Parenthood. His late father, Leo Penn, was a TV director. Another brother is musician Michael Penn.

Sean Penn's publicist Mara Buxbaum issued a statement saying that "the Penn family would appreciate the media's respect of their privacy during this difficult time".