Comments on: Chris Penn, 1965-2006

By: steve matlock

steve matlock — Tue, 31 Jan 2006 06:52:43 +0000

I loved Chris Penn in Footloose. He played a believable character. Sure, Kevin Bacon is great (heck, Kevin Bacon’s a great actor!), but Penn’s Willard was so honest, homely, and loveable.

I’m sorry to hear he’s gone.

By: mary

mary — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 22:16:36 +0000

L: thank you for reminding me of the character he played in Footloose. I too found it incredibly funny. I didn’t realize it was Chris Penn when I read headlines about his death last week. And I’ll be sure to check out At Close Range.

By: Mike M.

Mike M. — Thu, 26 Jan 2006 03:27:08 +0000

Maia,

Yeah…I live in Wilmington, Del. and I remember the frenzy people had when the one of the brothers involved in the crime family escaped, only to be caught 18 days later.

Here’s a link to the obit of Bruce Johnston, the head of the family.

By: Maia

Maia — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 22:57:02 +0000

Mike M. – I remember that, because I think (could be wrong) that family was from around my way – southeastern PA/Chester County? yes, real people, really screwed up family. my dad saw one of them (the dad?) in his ER once, or so he claims.

By: Grumpy

Grumpy — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:47:08 +0000

I was just thinking about Reservoir Dogs because of this. For some reason that is the movie that comes to mind when I think of Chris Penn.

With regard to Footloose, I believe I was 15 when that movie came out. I was young and easily impressed by the stupidest of things. But I remember even then thinking Footloose was just too immature for me.

By: Renee

Renee — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 15:38:45 +0000

This is really thoughtful La Shawn. Before my “new birth” I was a Quentin Tarentino junky and therefore Reservoir Dogs was one of my favorite movies and it is what comes to mind when I think of Chis Penn.

It’s interesting how the Lord is pointing (is it just me or are the birth pains getting closer and closer) to everyone what is really important(money can’t save you, good works of feeding the poor and fighting aids can’t save you, being a good person can’t save you and many other things that people believe). Death is always a wake call (or should be)…

for the believer- Did you tell the Good News about the Savior?

for the non-believer – To everyone a time is allotted, the only difference is do you have a saving relationship with Him or not?

By: Mike M.

Mike M. — Wed, 25 Jan 2006 14:49:51 +0000

Even more shocking is that At Close Range was based on true events. I remember back in 1998-99 one of the suspects escaped from prison, which brought renewed interest to the case. I remember video stores were having a heck of a time keeping the video in stock because of the renewed interest.

If memory serves me, it was about three kids working as informants for the FBI who were eventually murdered by head of the crime family, or something to that effect.

Chilling indeed. And, yes, Madonna’s theme song is great. One of the best 80s ballads.