Who is Elizabeth Banks?
Elizabeth Banks (née Elizabeth Maresal Mitchell; born February 10, 1974) is an acclaimed American actress, writer, director, and producer known for her versatility across comedy, drama, and blockbuster franchises. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1996 and earned her MFA from the American Conservatory Theater in 1998.
She made her film debut in the indie Surrender Dorothy (1998), and appeared in Wet Hot American Summer (2001) and Seabiscuit (2003). Her breakthrough role came as Betty Brant in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy (2002–2007) . Banks further rose to prominence with The 40‑Year‑Old Virgin (2005), where she solidified her comedic presence.
Under her production company Brownstone Productions—co‑founded with husband Max Handelman in 2002—Banks produced and starred in the Pitch Perfect series; she also made her feature directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), which set box‑office records for a debut director . Banks directed Charlie’s Angels (2019) and Cocaine Bear (2023), the latter gaining considerable viral attention.
On television, Banks earned Emmy nominations for her roles in 30 Rock, Scrubs, and Modern Family, and currently hosts the ABC game show Press Your Luck since 2019.
Banks has expanded into entrepreneurship—co‑owning Archer Roose Wines and digital content studio WhoHaha—and is part of an all‑female ownership group launching Boston’s NWSL team in 2026. Her trajectory from small-town Pittsfield to multiple creative ventures underscores her dynamic, community-minded leadership and commitment to gender equity.
Elizabeth Banks Biography
| Elizabeth Banks Age | Age: 51 (as of July 29, 2025; born February 10, 1974) |
|---|---|
| Elizabeth Banks Birthday | 10/02/1974 |
| Elizabeth Banks Height | Not publicly listed across reliable sources |
| Elizabeth Banks Religion | Raised Irish Catholic; converted to Judaism upon marrying Max Handelman in 2003 |
| Elizabeth Banks Nationality | American (born in Massachusetts) |
| Elizabeth Banks Profession | Actress, director, producer, writer, television host |
| Elizabeth Banks Net Worth | Estimates vary; approximate net worth around US $40–50 million (typical third‑party range; not precisely reported in sources) |
| Elizabeth Banks Husband | Max Handelman (married July 5, 2003) |
| Elizabeth Banks Siblings | Brother - Geoff Mitchell | Sister - Sarah Mitchell |
| Elizabeth Banks Parents | Father - Mark Mitchell (Vietnam‑war veteran, GE factory worker) | Mother - Ann Mitchell (worked in banking and other local businesses) |
Official Social Media Profiles
Elizabeth Banks Relationships in Past
Known primary long-term relationship: Max Handelman (college sweetheart, dating from ~1993 and married in 2003).No other publicly detailed past relationships with dates as reliably documented—she is widely known for her one long-term partnership.
Elizabeth Banks Recent Bold & Hot Photo
Elizabeth Banks Recent Bold & Hot Video
Elizabeth Banks Wedding Overview
Elizabeth Banks married Max Handelman on July 5, 2003, after dating for roughly ten years since meeting at the University of Pennsylvania. The wedding celebrated their enduring collegiate romance; though precise location details are not public, it was a private, meaningful ceremony shared with family and friends. The couple’s long-term partnership predated their establishment of Brownstone Productions in 2002, aligning personal and professional lives in synchrony. Their wedding marked the formal union of creative partnership and entrepreneurship, leading to a collaborative production career and family life with two children. Banks converted to Judaism ahead of the wedding, signaling both personal and cultural commitment. Their marriage—now spanning over two decades—is often highlighted by Banks as her proudest achievement, celebrated as a foundation for her family and business collaborations.
Elizabeth Banks Viral News
Viral News - Elizabeth Banks Reveals She Was a ‘Chambermaid’ at a B&B Overview -
The Kelly Clarkson Show (May 28, 2025): shared she had retrieved condoms/tampons from toilets as a teenager, reflecting on resilience and resilience built through menial work in youth.
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Viral News - Cocaine Bear director spotlight Overview -
Cocaine Bear (2023) became a viral hit, with its outrageous premise and comedic tone gaining widespread media buzz for its box-office success. Elizabeth Banks’ directorial role launched significant social media discussion. (Detail from film coverage; not in top three but known.).
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Viral News - Press Your Luck reboot popularity Overview -
Since 2019, Elizabeth has hosted and executive produced Press Your Luck, with several segments going viral for her engaging host style and contestants’ dramatic moments. (Overview from Berkshire Magazine).
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Elizabeth Banks Movies List
| Movie Name | Release Year | Director Name | Co-Actor |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 40-Year-Old Virgin | 2005 | Judd Apatow | |
| Pitch Perfect (series) | 2012–2017 (series) | Jason Moore (1st film) | |
| The Hunger Games (as Effie Trinket) | 2012–2015 (series) | Gary Ross / Francis Lawrence | |
| Cocaine Bear | 2023 | Elizabeth Banks |