Actor Sean Penn, 64, sparked concern among fans following his recent appearance on the May 12 episode of the Louis Theroux Podcast. Viewers took to social media to comment on his seemingly battered and worn-out look, with many noting he appeared much older than his actual age. Descriptions from concerned fans included a face that was a "web of creases and care lines," a "deeply furrowed" brow, and "terrible" skin, leading to observations that he was "clearly not taking care of himself."

During the podcast, Penn appeared gaunt and bleary-eyed, with a shock of unkempt white hair, a noticeable bruise on his nose, and massive bags under his eyes. Social media reactions highlighted his rough appearance, with one user commenting, "My 95-year-old father looks younger than him." These observations have fueled discussions about Penn's well-documented "hard-living" lifestyle.

The Hollywood star, often photographed with a drink or cigarette, has publicly insisted he is not an alcoholic. However, Penn has previously admitted to personal struggles affecting his relationships. He confessed that his marriage to actress Leila George, which concluded in 2022, ended because he "f----- up" by being "totally depressed," consuming alcohol, and using the insomnia drug Ambien.

In the podcast discussion, Penn also reflected on his marriage to pop icon Madonna, which lasted from 1985 to 1989. He described their union as having "mistaken a good first date for a wedding partner." Despite a tumultuous relationship that he acknowledged involved "a lot of alcohol" and Madonna "fairly accusing me of that," Penn stated they found friendship again about a year after their divorce and he has "a lot of fond memories of it – it's not all jail."

Sources suggest that decades of what are described as self-destructive habits may now be visibly taking a toll on the Mystic River actor. A Hollywood insider remarked, "I guess it was inevitable, but it's still a shock to see him look like this."

Adding a medical perspective, Dr. Stuart Fischer, a Manhattan internist who has not treated Penn, commented to RadarOnline.com that Penn’s history of drinking and smoking puts him at risk for significant health concerns. "At the top of the list would be liver disease," Dr. Fischer stated, explaining that such conditions "usually doesn't present symptoms until it's too late to treat."