Elizabeth Banks Biography: Elizabeth Irene Banks born February 10, 1974) is an American actress, director, and producer. She gained recognition for her role as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games film series (2012–2015) and as one of the ICCA commentators in the Pitch Perfect films (2012–2017). Banks made her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), which opened with $69 million—setting a record for a debut feature by a first-time director.
Elizabeth Banks Biography
Elizabeth Banks, born Elizabeth Mitchell on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield—a small city nestled in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts near the New York state line—is the daughter of Anne Marie (Wallace), a bank employee, and Mark Phineas Mitchell, a factory worker. As a child, Banks was considered a “goody two-shoes” and was even nominated for her town’s Harvest Queen.
Elizabeth Banks Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Elizabeth Irene Mitchell
February 10, 1974 Pittsfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA) American Conservatory Theater (MFA) |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1998–present |
| Works | Full list |
| Spouse |
Max Handelman
(m. 2003) |
| Children | 2 |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Elizabeth Banks
Elizabeth Irene Banks is an American actress, director, and producer. She is known for playing chaperone Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games film series and an ICCA commentator in the Pitch Perfect film series.
Elizabeth Banks Personal Life
She left home to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude. Following that, she enrolled in the prestigious American Conservatory Theater’s Advanced Training Program in San Francisco, completing her studies in 1996. Banks then moved to New York City to work in theater and began landing small parts in films and on television. To avoid confusion with another actress named Elizabeth Mitchell, she adopted the professional surname “Banks.
Elizabeth Banks Achievements
She went on to direct the action-comedy Charlie’s Angels (2019) and the horror-comedy Cocaine Bear (2023). In 2002, she co-founded the production company Brownstone Productions with her husband, Max Handelman. Banks began her film career in the independent film Surrender Dorothy (1998). Her film credits include Wet Hot American Summer (2001).
Elizabeth Banks Wiki
- Born: 10 February 1974 (age 51 years), Pittsfield, Massachusetts, United States
- Spouse: Max Handelman (m. 2003)
- Height: 1.64 m
- Siblings: Sarah Mitchell, Geoff Mitchell
- Parents: Mark Mitchell, Ann Mitchell
Early Life
Banks was born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the eldest of four children of Ann (née Wallace) and Mark P. Mitchell. Her father, a Vietnam War veteran, worked in a General Electric factory, while her mother worked at a bank. She has described her upbringing as “very meat-and-potatoes, old-school Irish Catholic.” As a child, she enjoyed playing baseball and horseback riding. After breaking her leg during a Little League game, she auditioned for a school play—marking the beginning of her interest in acting.
She graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1992 and was active in the Massachusetts Junior Classical League. Banks attended the University of Pennsylvania, where she joined the Delta Delta Delta sorority and the Friars Senior Society. She graduated magna cum laude in 1996 with a major in communications and a minor in theater arts. In 1998, she earned an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco.
Elizabeth Banks Facts
Where does Elizabeth Banks live? And how much money does Elizabeth Banks earn?
| Birth Date | 10-2-1974 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | She owns a house in Los Angeles, California, USA. |
Elizabeth Banks Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 50 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Product Endorsements | Whohana |
| Colleagues | Diane Kruger & Natalie Dormer |
Elizabeth Banks: Husband, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 2003) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Husband of Elizabeth Banks | Max Handelman |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | Yes, mother of: Magnus Mitchell Handelman, Felix Handelman |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Mark P. Mitchell (Father)
- Ann Wallace (Mother)
- Magnus Mitchell Handelman (Son)
- Felix Handelman (Son)
Friends
- Cameron Diaz
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This hot tv-personality & actress originating from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA has a slim body & oval face type.
| Hair color | Light blond |
| Hair type | Straight |
| Hair Length | medium long hair (neck length) |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Distinct feature | eyes |
| Makeup Style | casual |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type I: Light skin |
| Skin Type | Sensitive |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Does Elizabeth Banks smoke? | Yes, on occasion |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 164 cm |
| Weight | 55 kilo |
| Clothing style | delicate |
| Favorite colors | yellow |
| Feet size | 6 |
| Dress size | M |
| Bra-size | 34B |
| Waist size | 63 |
| Buste size | 82 |
| Butt size | 74 |
| Does Elizabeth Banks have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What is Elizabeth Banks doing now?
She also starred in the Netflix miniseries Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp (2015) and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later (2017). Since 2019, Banks has hosted the ABC revival of the game show Press Your Luck.
How did Elizabeth Banks get her start in acting?
Elizabeth Banks began acting after a childhood sports injury led her to audition for a school play. Her early career included theater work in New York and small roles in TV and film before moving to Los Angeles for more screen opportunities.
Why did Elizabeth Banks change her name?
She changed her last name from Mitchell to Banks to avoid confusion with another actress named Elizabeth Mitchell already working in the industry.
What was Elizabeth Banks’ breakout role?
Her breakout role was playing Betty Brant, the secretary to J. Jonah Jameson, in Spider-Man (2002), directed by Sam Raimi.
Where did Elizabeth Banks go to college?
She attended the University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude with a major in communications and a minor in theater arts, and later earned an MFA from the American Conservatory Theater.
Is Elizabeth Banks involved in film production?
Yes, she co-founded Brownstone Productions with her husband Max Handelman in 2002. The company has produced several successful films and television projects.
Does Elizabeth Banks have any children?
Yes, she is the mother of two sons: Magnus Mitchell Handelman and Felix Handelman.