Penelope Spheeris

Biography

Penelope Spheeris, born on December 2, 1945, is an American filmmaker and music video producer, often described as a 'rock 'n roll anthropologist.' In 1974, she established the first music video production company in Los Angeles, ROCK 'N REEL, and gained recognition for her work on the Grammy-nominated "Bohemian Rhapsody" video for "Wayne's World." Spheeris made her feature film debut in 1979 with the acclaimed documentary "The Decline of Western Civilization," focusing on the Los Angeles punk scene. She directed several notable films, including "Suburbia" (1983), "The Boys Next Door" (1985), and "Wayne's World" (1992). Her documentaries, particularly "The Decline of Western Civilization" series, have received critical acclaim. In 1999, she directed the documentary "We Sold Our Souls For Rock 'N Roll," capturing the essence of life on tour. As of 2016, Spheeris has been touring with her daughter, Anna Fox, screening the "Decline" trilogy.