Elizabeth Banks

Banks studied communications and theater at the University of Pennsylvania, where she met her future husband, producer Max Handelman. She went on to earn a master's degree in fine arts from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco before moving into television and film.

Her early screen work included small television roles and a part in the independent film Surrender Dorothy, but her profile grew with the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer and the superhero film Spider-Man, in which she played Betty Brant.

She broke through in 2005 as Beth in The 40-Year-Old Virgin, then played Laura Bush in W. and a series of memorable supporting roles. Her portrayal of Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games series and Gail in Pitch Perfect made her a fixture of big-budget ensemble comedies.

Banks expanded into producing and directing, serving as a producer on the Pitch Perfect sequels and making her feature directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015. She later directed the 2019 reboot of Charlie's Angels and the 2023 comedy thriller Cocaine Bear, while continuing to act in projects such as the Power Rangers film and The LEGO Movie franchise.

Banks married Max Handelman, whom she met at Penn, in 2003. They have two sons, both born via gestational surrogate, and she has been candid about her experience with infertility.

Elizabeth Banks was born on February 10, 1974 in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States. In Cardology (Destiny Cards), February 10, 1974 corresponds to the Two of Spades, making the Two of Spades her Birth Card.

In numerology, the name adds another layer to the birth-date profile. The letters of a person’s name are used to explore inner motivation, personality, expression, and the qualities they bring into relationships and everyday life. Explore how her original name Elizabeth Irene Mitchell influences her life and personality.