Penelope Spheeris

About

Director of the classic comedy Wayne's World and the documentary trilogy The Decline of Western Civilization.

Before Fame

She traveled around the American South and Midwest with her father's carnival until the age of seven.

Trivia

She was offered the chance to direct This is Spinal Tap, but turned it down, thinking it wasn't possible to make fun of heavy metal.

Family Life

Her father owned the Magic Empire Shows circus carnival and was a sideshow strong man.

Associated With

Her documentary The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years featured interviews with prominent hard rock and metal musicians of the time, including Ozzy Osbourne.