Born:
February 10, 1974
in
Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Best Known For:
The 40-Year-Old Virgin and The Hunger Games movies.
Early-life:
Born Elizabeth Irene Mitchell in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, on February 10, 1974, she is the eldest of four children. She was playing in a little league baseball team when she broke her leg sliding into third base. Trying out for a school play sparked her interest in acting. She went on to attend the University of Pennsylvania and the American Conservatory Theater.
Career:
Banks had small roles in various films before she raised her profile in The 40-Year-Old Virgin (2005). She went on to star in Slither (2006), Meet Bill (2007), Fred Claus (2007), Zack and Miri Make a Porno (2008), W. (2008), The Next Three Days (2010), What to Expect When You're Expecting (2012) and Pitch Perfect (2012). She was unrecognisable as Effie Trinket in The Hunger Games (2012) and its sequel The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013). On the small screen, Banks has had recurring roles on Scrubs and 30 Rock.
Quote:
'I'm pleased that Hollywood hasn't figured out how to pigeonhole me yet.'
Trivia:
Her ancestry includes English, Irish Scottish and Dutch.