Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks (born Elizabeth Irene Mitchell on February 10, 1974) is an acclaimed American actress, director, and producer, with a career that has spanned more than two decades in the film industry. She is recognized for numerous standout roles including her part as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games series (2012–2015) and her turn as an ICCA commentator in the Pitch Perfect series (2012–2017). Banks notably made her film directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015), setting a record for a first-time director with a $69 million opening-weekend gross. Her career continued to thrive with directing roles in films like action comedy Charlie's Angels (2019) and the horror comedy film Cocaine Bear (2023). Back in 2002, she founded the film and television production company Brownstone Productions with her husband, Max Handelman.

Born and raised in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, Elizabeth Banks pursued her passion for acting from an early age. She made her film debut in the low-budget independent film Surrender Dorothy (1998). In 2002, she gained prominence playing the role of Betty Brant in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. Banks has made numerous appearances on television series and stints in notable films including The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Power Rangers, and Brightburn. Her contribution to television includes recurring roles on hit sitcoms like 30 Rock, Scrubs, and Modern Family, earning her multiple Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Since 2019, Banks has hosted the ABC revival of the game show Press Your Luck.