Leo Penn - Actor Profile

Leo Penn

Directing
Updated: May 11, 2026
10Total Films
10.0 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 40% 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 The Horse Dealers Daughter, 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.

★10.0
The Horse Dealers Daughter (1983) movie poster
★10.0

The Horse Dealers Daughter: A young woman named Mabel discovers that after the death of her parents, her family has lost all of its money. With no h

The Horse Dealers Daughter

1983•Drama
★8.0
Sixth and Main (1977) movie poster
★8.0

Sixth and Main: Monica Cord is planning to write a book about the homeless. She observes the men who attend a rescue mission and shelter

Sixth and Main

1977•Drama
★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
★6.3
The Return of Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer (1986) movie poster
★6.3

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

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 Super Hit Similar →
1977 Sixth and Main Doc Super Hit 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 "The Horse Dealers Daughter" with a rating of 10.0/10.

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 "Sixth and Main", "Birdman of Alcatraz", and "Not Wanted".

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