Penn appeared in a 1974 episode of the "Little House on the Prairie" television series as an extra when his father, Leo, directed some of the episodes. Penn launched his film career with the action-drama "Taps" (1981), where he played a military high school cadet. A year later, he appeared in the hit comedy "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" (1982), in the role of surfer-stoner Jeff Spicoli; his character helped popularize the word "dude" in popular culture. Next, Penn appeared as Mick O'Brien, a troubled youth, in the drama "Bad Boys" (1983). The role earned Penn favorable reviews and jump-started his career as a serious actor.