Actor Chris Penn found dead

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean Penn, has been found dead at his Santa Monica home

Police discovered the 40-year-old stars's body around 4pm local time yesterday. There were no obvious signs of foul play. An autopsy will determine the cause of death.

"The Penn family would appreciate the media's respect of their privacy during this difficult time," Mara Buxbaum, Sean Penn's publicist, said.

Penn's body was discovered in a bed inside the residence, located in a four-storey condominium complex near the beach. Authorities were called to the condominium complex by Penn's housekeeper.

Chris Penn's credits included Mulholland Falls, Rumble Fish, All the Right Moves, Footloose and Rush Hour.

He also played Nice Guy Eddie Cabot in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs.

His late father, Leo Penn, directed television shows. His mother, Eileen Ryan, is an actress whose credits include I Am Sam, Magnolia and Parenthood. Another brother is musician Michael Penn.

Chris Penn's latest film, The Darwin Awards, was scheduled to premiere today at the Sundance Film Festival.