Penelope Spheeris, born in 1947, began her career in the late 1960s as a production assistant in the burgeoning Los Angeles film scene. She quickly moved up the ranks, working on iconic films like “Easy Rider” and “Five Easy Pieces,” gaining valuable experience in the industry.

In the 1970s, Spheeris made a significant leap in her career when she started directing music videos for prominent rock bands such as The Ramones and Devo. Her unique visual style and ability to capture the raw energy of live performances caught the attention of the industry, paving the way for her feature film debut.

Penelope Spheeris’ Current Net Worth (2025)

As of 2025, Penelope Spheeris’ current net worth is estimated to be around $15 million. This figure takes into account her successful career as a film director, producer, and writer, as well as her other ventures.

Career

Penelope Spheeris, born in 1945, is a renowned American film director, producer, and writer. She began her career in the late 1960s, working on documentaries and music videos. Spheeris gained prominence with her “Decline of Western Civilization” documentary series, which provided an inside look into the LA punk rock scene. She has since directed several feature films, including “Wayne’s World” and “The Beverly Hillbillies,” demonstrating her versatility across various genres.

Other Ventures

In addition to her film work, Spheeris has ventured into television. She has directed episodes for popular shows like “NYPD Blue” and “Roseanne.” She also co-founded the production company Rock ‘n’ Reel Productions with her husband, Robby Müller. Spheeris continues to be involved in the film industry, serving as a mentor and advocate for women in film.

Assets

Penelope Spheeris’ assets include her primary residence in Los Angeles, California, valued at approximately $3 million. She also owns a vacation home in Malibu, worth around $4 million. Her film and television work has generated significant royalties and residuals, contributing to her overall wealth. Additionally, Spheeris owns a substantial collection of classic cars, including a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1970 Chevy Camaro.

Annual Income

Penelope Spheeris’ annual income is primarily derived from her work in the film and television industry. Her exact earnings vary from year to year, depending on her projects and royalties. According to recent estimates, her average annual income is around $500,000. This includes her salary from directing and producing projects, as well as residuals from her previous work. Additionally, Spheeris earns income from her production company and any investments she may have.

Frequently Asked Questions about  Penelope Spheeris

Frequently Asked Questions: Penelope Spheeris Net Worth

1. What is Penelope Spheeris’ net worth?

Penelope Spheeris’ net worth is estimated to be around $10 million.

2. How old is Penelope Spheeris?

Penelope Spheeris was born on December 5, 1944, making her 77 years old.

3. What is Penelope Spheeris’ most famous work?

Spheeris is best known for directing the 1983 documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization,” which focuses on the Los Angeles punk rock scene. She also directed the 1996 comedy “The Beverly Hillbillies.”

4. Where was Penelope Spheeris born?

Penelope Spheeris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana.

5. What is Penelope Spheeris’ background in film?

Spheeris began her career in the 1970s, working as a production assistant and editor before moving on to directing. She has worked on numerous documentaries, music videos, and feature films.

6. Has Penelope Spheeris won any awards?

Yes, Spheeris has won several awards throughout her career, including a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video for “Wayne’s World” in 1993.

7. What is Penelope Spheeris’ height?

Penelope Spheeris’ height is 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).

8. Is Penelope Spheeris married?

Spheeris has been married twice. Her first marriage was to actor and musician Robby Steinhardt from 1973 to 1977. She has been married to director Henry Selick since 1982.

9. Does Penelope Spheeris have any children?

Yes, Spheeris has two children from her first marriage: a daughter named Anna and a son named Nicholas.

10. What is Penelope Spheeris’ latest project?

Spheeris’ latest project is the documentary “The Decline of Western Civilization Part III,” which was released in 2015 and focuses on the Los Angeles metal scene in the 1980s and 1990s.