Sean Penn is an Oscar-winning actor, a celebrated director, and one of the most visible sociopolitical activists on the planet. But for rising star Hopper Penn, Sean was always just a dad around the house — one who wasn’t afraid to take a hard line.
While being interviewed for PEOPLE magazine’s ” Sexiest Man Alive ” issue, Hopper spilled the tea on his famous parents and revealed what it was like being a teenager under the careful watch of Sean Penn and Robin Wright.
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According to Hopper, he and his father, Sean Penn, were always at odds during his formative years living at home
“I mean, growing up was not easy with him,” Hopper admitted to PEOPLE . “He was strict and I was always getting in trouble . So, we like, butted heads for a long time.”
Hopper admitted that things were tense between him and his dad up until they began working together on Flag Day in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.
These days, Hopper says that his father is much more relaxed and calmed down.
Hopper joked that Sean’s old age had contributed the most to his mellowing-out process. On a more serious note, although the two men are vastly different, Hopper believes that he and his dad have much more in common now. Since they’ve begun to see one another as equals, as opposed to viewing their relationship through the lens of a parental hierarchy, things are much better.
According to Hopper, both he and Sean have a thrill-seeking nature that binds them together.
However, there’s no doubt which parent Hopper takes after more. “I’m much closer and more similar to my mom,” Hopper said. “She was a really good mom, but she was always a friend too .
Hopper said that his mother knew how to play the disciplinarian when warranted but was always quick to forgive and put much more emphasis on them having fun and spending time together.
When asked if he had any future acting plans, Hopper explained that he wasn’t sure.
Hopper has always admired the example set by both of his parents and marveled at their ability to stay humble and professional on set. Ironically enough, he told PEOPLE that he absolutely despises watching himself on the big screen and that if he were to make a career in movies / TV — it would have to be from the perspective of a producer/director.
