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Penelope Spheeris

As a notable filmmaker during the 1980s independent movement, director Penelope Spheeris found substantial mainstream success in the 1990s helming a number of high-profile features and television projects. After establishing her bona fides with the cult favorite documentary, "The Decline of Western Civilization" (1981) and its sequel "The Decline of Western Civilization Part II, The Metal Years" (1988), Spheeris made the jump to features with appreciated efforts like "Suburbia" (1983) and "The Boys Next Door" (1985). But it was directing the surprise hit comedy "Wayne's World" (1992) that propelled Spheeris into the realm of commercially successful director. Seeking to cement her commercial status, she directed feature remakes of "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1993), "The Little Rascals" (1994) and "Black Sheep" (1996). She next returned to her roots with "The Decline of Western Civilization Part III" (1998). Spheeris remained a potent filmmaker no matter what the material.