Elizabeth Irene Mitchell, popularly known as Elizabeth Banks, was born on February 10, 1974. She is a versatile and accomplished American actress, director, producer, and writer who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. She has made a reputation for herself in Hollywood owing to her unique talent and captivating personality. Throughout her career, Banks has worked in a variety of genres, including comedy and drama. She has also dabbled in directing and producing, further confirming her position as a multidimensional powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
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Elizabeth Banks Biography
Full Name | Elizabeth Irene Mitchell |
---|---|
Nickname | Elizabeth Banks |
Date of Birth | February 10, 1974 |
Place of Birth | Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S. |
Occupation | American Actress |
Spouse | Max Handelman |
Children | Felix and Magnus |
Networth | $50 million |
Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Banks was born on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, into the family of Ann and Mark P. Mitchell. She was raised in a supportive family, and Banks developed an early passion for performing. She attended Pittsfield High School, where her involvement in school plays and local theater productions helped her hone her acting skills. Her determination to pursue an acting career led her to the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications.
Career
Elizabeth Banks embarked on her journey in the world of entertainment during the late 1990s, initially making her presence felt through television appearances. These early forays into the medium included roles in notable series like “Third Watch” and the iconic “Sex and the City.” While these roles provided her with valuable experience and exposure, her true breakthrough came in the early 2000s, marking the pivotal moment when she transitioned from a promising talent to a rising star in Hollywood.
During this transformative period, Elizabeth Banks secured roles in several popular comedy films, solidifying her reputation as a gifted actress with a knack for humor. Two notable highlights from this era include “Wet Hot American Summer” and “The 40-Year-Old Virgin.” These films showcased her comedic timing, versatility, and undeniable charisma, qualities that soon made her one of the industry’s most sought-after talents.
However, it was in the “Pitch Perfect” film series that Elizabeth Banks etched her name into the annals of Hollywood history. In this series, she assumed the role of Gail Abernathy-McKadden, a witty and charismatic commentator for competitive a cappella competitions. Her portrayal of this character added a unique and memorable dimension to the franchise, earning her a special place in the hearts of fans and critics alike.
Furthermore, Banks demonstrated her acting prowess in a vastly different genre when she took on the role of Effie Trinket in “The Hunger Games” franchise. Her performance as Effie was nothing short of captivating, earning her critical acclaim and establishing her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in a wide range of roles. Yet, Elizabeth Banks didn’t confine herself to acting alone. She ventured into the realms of directing and producing, showcasing her multi-faceted talents and ambition in the industry.
Notably, she took the director’s chair for “Pitch Perfect 2,” a testament to her creative vision and leadership in film production. Her determination to expand her role beyond acting was further exemplified in her work on “Charlie’s Angels” (2019), where she not only directed but also made a cameo appearance, demonstrating her prowess both in front of and behind the camera.
Politics
Elizabeth Banks has been actively involved in various political and social causes. She has used her platform to advocate for women’s rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ+ rights. Banks has also supported Democratic candidates and causes, making appearances at political events and speaking out on important issues.
Elizabeth Banks is supportive of both abortion rights and gun control. Banks participated in a performance of Rachel Platten’s song “Fight Song” at the 2016 Democratic National Convention with other famous people. She was a vocal supporter of Hillary Clinton‘s 2016 presidential campaign. She has acknowledged being a feminist. Banks asked her Instagram fans to get in contact with VoteRiders in September 2020 to learn more and receive help with voter ID. She participated in the VoteRiders #IDCheck Challenge that same month on social media to increase awareness of the need for voter identification in presidential elections.
Personal Life
Elizabeth Banks met Max Handelman, a producer and writer, while they were both students at the University of Pennsylvania. They are now married. Since being married in 2003, they have developed a solid and durable relationship. Through a surrogate, the couple had their first child in 2011, a son called Felix. Magnus, their second son, was born in 2012, adding to their growing family. Elizabeth Banks has a reputation for speaking candidly about her challenges with infertility and surrogacy, which has helped to increase awareness of these problems.
Filmography
- Surrender Dorothy (1998)
- Shaft (2000)
- Wet Hot American Summer (2001)
- Spider-Man (2002)
- Swept Away (2002)
- The Trade (2003)
- Seabiscuit (2003)
- Heights (2005)
- The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005)
- Invincible (2006)
- Slither (2006)
- Fred Claus (2007)
- Meet Dave (2008)
- Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008)
- W. (2008)
- Role Models (2008)
- The Uninvited (2009)
- The Next Three Days (2010)
- The Details (2011)
- Our Idiot Brother (2011)
- The Hunger Games (2012)
- What to Expect When You’re Expecting (2012)
- People Like Us (2012)
- Pitch Perfect (2012)
- Movie 43 (2013)
- The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013)
- Walk of Shame (2014)
- Love & Mercy (2014)
- Pitch Perfect 2 (2015) – Also directed by Elizabeth Banks
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 (2014)
- The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015)
- Magic Mike XXL (2015)
- The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part (2019)
- Charlie’s Angels (2019) – Also directed by Elizabeth Banks
- The Happytime Murders (2018)
- Brightburn (2019)
- The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (TBA) – Announced
Awards and Nominations
Year | Work | Association | Category | Result |
---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | Seabiscuit | Screen Actors Guild Awards | Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture | Nominated |
2006 | Invincible | MTV Movie Awards | Best Kiss | Nominated |
Slither | Fangoria Chainsaw Awards | Relationship from Hell | Nominated | |
2008 | W. | Detroit Film Critics Society | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated |
2009 | — | Women in Film Crystal + Lucy Awards | Face of the Future Award | Won |
The Uninvited | Fright Meter Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |
2011 | 30 Rock | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated |
Gold Derby Awards | Best Comedy Guest actress | Nominated | ||
2012 | The Hunger Games | MTV Movie Awards | Best On-Screen Transformation | Won |
Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie: Female Scene Stealer | Nominated | ||
30 Rock | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
2013 | Movie 43 | Golden Raspberry Awards | Worst Director | Won |
— | CinemaCon | Excellence in Acting | Won | |
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire | MTV Movie Awards | Best On-Screen Transformation | Nominated | |
San Diego Film Critics Society Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Modern Family | Online Film & Television Association Awards | Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
Gold Derby Awards | Best Comedy Guest Actress | Nominated | ||
2014 | The Lego Movie | BTVA Awards | Best Female Lead Vocal Performance | Nominated |
Best Vocal Ensemble | Nominated | |||
BTVA People’s Choice Awards | Best Female Lead Vocal Performance | Won | ||
Best Vocal Ensemble | Won | |||
Love & Mercy | Florida Film Critics Circle Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | |
Austin Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Indiana Film Journalists Association | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Denver Film Critics Society | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Las Vegas Film Critics Society | Best Supporting Actress | Won | ||
San Francisco Film Critics Circle | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Georgia Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated | ||
Santa Barbara International Film Festival | Virtuoso Award | Won | ||
Satellite Awards | Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture | Nominated | ||
2015 | — | CinemaCon | Breakthrough Filmmaker of the Year | Won |
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 | MTV Movie Awards | Best On-Screen Transformation | Won | |
Modern Family | Online Film & Television Association Awards | Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | |
Gold Derby Awards | Best Comedy Guest Actress | Nominated | ||
Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series | Nominated | ||
Pitch Perfect 2 | Golden Raspberry Awards | Razzie Redeemer Award | Nominated | |
2016 | Lego Dimensions | BTVA Awards | Best Vocal Ensemble in a Video Game | Won |
BTVA People’s Choice Awards | Best Vocal Ensemble in a Video Game | Won | ||
2017 | Power Rangers | Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Villain | Nominated |
Philanthropy
Banks is actively involved in philanthropic endeavors and has supported various charitable causes throughout her career. She has been a vocal advocate for organizations that focus on women’s rights, gender equality, and reproductive health. Her commitment to philanthropy extends to her involvement with organizations like the American Heart Association and Stand Up to Cancer. Elizabeth Banks has used her platform to raise funds and awareness for these causes, demonstrating her dedication to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry.
In her personal life, Elizabeth Banks strives to balance her professional success with her roles as a wife and mother, emphasizing the importance of family and giving back to the community through her philanthropic efforts.
Networth
Elizabeth Banks had an estimated net worth of approximately $50 million. However, it’s important to note that net worth figures can change over time due to career developments, investments, and other financial factors.
Elizabeth Banks continues to be a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, captivating audiences with her talent, advocacy, and contributions to both the big and small screens. Her dynamic career trajectory suggests that she will remain a significant influence in Hollywood for years to come.