Sean Penn was unable to be in Fast Times at Ridgemont High.
Sean Penn . Following his film debut in the drama Taps ( 1981 ) and a diverse range of film roles in the 1980s , including Fast Times at Ridgemont High ( 1982 ) , Penn garnered critical attention for his roles in the crime dramas At Close Range ( 1986 ) , State of Grace ( 1990 ) , and Carlito 's Way ( 1993 ) .