Sean Pennmay not be the first actor who comes to mind when thinking over the history of funny movie performances. Indeed, Penn’s reputation is as the most serious of thespians, and his is a well-earned one, built upon award-caliber work in heavy-hitting dramas likeDead Man Walking,Mystic RiverandMilk. But in fact,Penn’s long and impressive filmography is peppered with roles that have seen him shifting gears from drama to comedy, sometimes with memorable results.
Penn’s co-starring turn with then-wifeMadonna inShanghai Surprisemay have been an early disaster, but the star kept on scratching his comedy itch nonetheless, starring alongside Robert De Niro in the remakeWe’re No Angels. Letting his funny side out finally paid off for Penn in terms of awards love, when his performance as a self-absorbed jazz guitarist in Woody Allen’sSweet and Lowdowngarnered an Oscar nomination. More recently, Penn played an over-the-hill Hollywood actor in Paul Thomas Anderson’s comedy-leaningLicorice Pizza.
Penn’s Fast Times At Ridgemont High Is Leaving Netflix Soon
December 31 Is Its Last Day On The Streamer
Fast Times at Ridgemont Highhas departed Netflix.Rolling Stonewriter (and future filmmaker) Cameron Crowe famously went undercover at a real San Diego-area high school as research for his book of the same name. Crowe then adapted his book into a script, which was brought to life on-screen by director Amy Heckerling. The resulting film went on to be a sleeper hit, a critical favorite with a 78% fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, and, ultimately, a 1980s classic.
Fast Times at Ridgemont Highhas retained its status as a beloved ‘80s coming-of-age tale, but the moviewon’t be available on Netflix, as it left the streamer on December 31. It’s yet to be seen where the raunchy comedy will stream in 2025.
Our Take On Fast Times At Ridgemont High Leaving Netflix
Penn Fans Might Want To Pick A New Streamer
TheFast Timescastis legendarily stacked, featuring future stars like Phoebe Cates, Judge Reinhold, Nicolas Cage, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Forest Whitaker. However, Penn was arguably the biggest break-out name in the movie, thanks to his hilarious performance as oblivious stoner Jeff Spicoli.Penn’s portrayal proved influential, setting a template for movie potheadsthat is still being copied to this day.
Oscar Nominations (Wins Boldfaced)
Sean Penn (Spicoli)
5 Best Actor -Dead Man Walking,Sweet and Lowdown,I Am Sam,Mystic River,Milk
1 Best Picture -Scent of a Woman
1 Best Director -Scent of a Woman
Penn indeed demonstrated his comedy chops early on, but his Spicoli performance would prove atypical, as he quickly pivoted to hard-hitting drama. Today, Penn finds his name in the news more for his political stances than his acting work, but he still makes his way into the occasional movie. In 2024, Penn co-starred with Dakota Johnsonin the dramaDaddio, which found itself at the center of controversy after Quantas Airlines showed the R-rated film on a flight, angering passengers.
Fast Times At Ridgemont High
Cast
Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a 1982 comedy based on the book Fast Times at Ridgemont High: A True Story by Cameron Crowe. The film stars Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold. Fast Times at Ridgemont High is a simple story detailing the escapades of teenagers in Southern California who center their lives around sex, drugs, and rock music.
