Steven Shagrin

Steven Shagrin, better known as Shags, was born in Youngstown, Ohio. His grandfather, Joseph Shagrin, Sr., was one of the towns youngest theater managers, starting in the entertainment-delivery business around 1896. Shags grew up in his grandfather's theater, The Foster, built in 1938 as the first neighborhood theater in the area, and providing free parking. All others were still in the downtown area and had paid parking. Shags great uncle Max Shagrin, Joe's identical twin brother, also managed theaters but left Youngstown in the early 1930s to become the manager of the West Coast Division of Warner Theaters in the "studio system" days. Max then became one of Hollywood's first agents representing actors and writers, with a list of notable clientele that includes many people listed on IMDB from "the old days." This sparked Shags interest in entertainment, so when the opportunity arose to help his daughter, Jenn Shagrin, create a short film, he jumped at the chance. Hence "Desperate Hippies"! He now resides in Walnut Creek, CA.