Chris Penn, the oft-underrated costar of such indie staples as Reservoir Dogs and Short Cuts, was found dead in his Santa Monica home. The causes are as yet unknown. His latest film, The Darwin Awards, was set to premiere tonight at Sundance.

The brother of Oscar winner Sean Penn and son of TV director Leo Penn, Chris suffered from a cinematic case of always a bridesmaid, never a bride. But it was that inconspicuousness which rendered his performances so immediately accessible. In his roles he often channeled the more vulnerable colors of the human condition. It is to the film community's great loss that he will not be able to do so anymore.