Penelope Spheeris

Penelope Spheeris, born December 2, 1945, is an esteemed American film director, producer, and screenwriter. She has directed both documentary and scripted films with some of her best-known works including the trilogy titled The Decline of Western Civilization, each covering an aspect of Los Angeles underground culture and Wayne's World, her highest-grossing film. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Spheeris comes from a background of showbiz and spectacle, with her father owning a carnival while her mother worked as a ticket taker. She confesses her strong sense of survival and unfaltering tenacity to her parents. The moving image collection of Penelope Spheeris is held at the Academy Film Archive and her films, including Bath, Hats Off To Hollywood, and Shit, have been preserved. All of these accomplishments reflect her prolific and influential career in the film industry.

Spheeris's career breakthrough happened when she made short subjects for comedian Albert Brooks, some of which became highlights of Saturday Night Live's first season. Going on, she directed several documentaries and movies such as The Decline of Western Civilization, Suburbia, and Wayne's World. Her versatile filmmaking got her an offer to direct This is Spinal Tap, followed by her work as a writer for the TV series Roseanne (1988-1997). She struggled with working with Mike Myers during the production of Wayne's World sequel, though she called him 'profoundly talented'. She has also directed numerous films like The Beverly Hillbillies, The Little Rascals, Black Sheep, and Senseless among others. Her films have received recognition from multiple institutions including the Directors Guild of America, The Recording Academy, and the Sundance Film Festival among others, cementing her legacy as one of the modern greats in American cinema.