WINONA RYDER - RYDER PAYS TRIBUTE TO PENN

WINONA RYDER has paid tribute to actor CHRIS PENN, her co-star in new movie THE DARWIN AWARDS, who's body was found on Tuesday (24JAN06).

The 40-year-old was found dead in his Santa Monica, California, apartment by a housekeeper. Coroners have yet to determine a definite cause of death, but suspect he died of natural causes, related to his size and history of drug abuse.

Speaking at a screening of The Darwin Awards at the Sundance Film Festival last night (25JAN06), Ryder said, "I really hope people go back and watch his movies. He was such a fantastic actor. He's not just SEAN's little brother. He was Chris Penn."

Director FINN TAYLOR added that Penn, "Gave an incredible performance in the film that's going to make a lot of people laugh for a years to come."