Elizabeth Banks (Laura Bush) in W
August 28th, 2008 artmasterElizabeth Banks (Laura Bush) is one of Hollywood’s most sought after young actresses. Banks stars in a number of upcoming films and has also taken on a new role as producer. She already has several films on the slate of her company, Brownstone Productions, which she founded with her husband, Max Handelman.
Banks recently starred opposite Eddie Murphy in the comedy “Meet Dave.” Banks next stars opposite Seth Rogan in Kevin Smith’s “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” Banks (Miri) and Zack (Seth) play two broke friends who decide to cure their financial ills by making an X rated movie. In January 2009 Banks will be seen starring in the horror remake, “Uninvited.” The film follows two sisters who return home after living in a mental institution. Banks portrays their cruel stepmother who is haunted by an interfering ghost.
Banks has also wrapped “Mentors,” opposite Paul Rudd and Sean William Scott. The film follows two wild friends who are forced to join a big brother program. Banks plays Rudd’s girlfriend who persuades him to join the program. Additionally Banks has completed production on “Lovely, Still,” an independent film which stars Ellen Burstyn and Martin Landau. The story is a holiday fable about an elderly grocery store owner who discovers love for the first time. Banks plays Ellen Burstyn’s daughter in the film, which is directorial debut of Nik Fackler, who also wrote the screenplay.
Banks was recently seen in the romantic comedy “Definitely Maybe” opposite Ryan Reynolds, Abigail Breslin, Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher. She also appeared in the independent comedy “Bill,” starring Aaron Eckhart and Jessica Alba.
Banks production company, Brownstone Productions, has several films upcoming. The company’s first film “Surrogates,” a sci-fi feature starring Bruce Willis and directed by Jonathan Mostow (Terminator 3) which shot in Boston. The film is based on the graphic novel of the same name and is being co-produced with Mandeville. Banks will produce and star in the Universal comedy “What about Barb,” about a socialite who must allow her crazy cousin to be maid of honor in her wedding so her rich uncle will pay for the wedding. Universal has acquired the rights to “Too Far From Home,” a Chris Jones book about three astronauts who were stranded on the international space station. Also on their slate is the Universal comedy “Pitch Perfect”
In 2007, Banks was seen in the holiday comedy “Fred Claus” opposite Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti. Banks reprised her role as journalist “Betty Brant” in “Spiderman 3,” a role that director Sam Raimi created for her.
In 2006, Banks starred in the blockbuster “Invincible,” opposite Mark Wahlberg and Greg Kinnear.
In 2005, Elizabeth made a memorable turn in “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” as “Beth” a sex-crazed bookstore employee. The same year she also appeared in “Sisters,” an independent film opposite Maria Bello and Eric McCormack. She was also seen the critically acclaimed horror/comedy “Slither”.
In June 2005, Banks starred in the “Heights” opposite Glenn Close and James Marsden. Also in 2005, Banks appeared in IFC Film’s “The Baxter”.
Banks’ additional feature credits include roles in Steve Spielberg’s “Catch Me If You Can, “Daltry Calhoun” starring Johnny Knoxville, Showtime Independent Films’ “Sexual Life” which screened at the Los Angeles Film Festival, John Singleton’s “Shaft” with Samuel L. Jackson and “Wet Hot American Summer” starring Janeane Garofalo and David Hyde Pierce. She has also appeared in several independent features including “The Trade” and “Ordinary Sinner,” which won the Best Film Award at the 2002 Slamdance Film Festival in Park City. Her extensive theater credits include many roles in American Conservatory Theatre productions, as well as the Guthrie Theater’s production of “Summer & Smoke” directed by David Esbjornson. In 2006 Banks played Cherie, the female lead in William Inge’s comedy “Bus Stop,” as part of the Williamstown Theater Festival.
On the small screen Banks can be seen in a recurring role as “Dr. Kim Porter” on NBC’s “Scrubs.” She also starred in the CBS mini series “Comanche Moon,” which is Larry McMurtry’s popular prequel to “Lonesome Dove.”
Originally from Massachusetts, Banks received her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Pennsylvania and her Graduate Degree at the American Conservatory Theater.
