Elizabeth Banks “I Feel Compelled To Do More In A Business That Doesn't Ask Much Of Women”

Despite a busy acting career spanning 20 years, Elizabeth Banks has reinvented herself as a producer, writer and director. Now, as she seeks creativity and fulfilment, she’s empowering Charlie’s Angels

Elizabeth Banks is living the American dream. She grew up in modest – ‘it upsets my parents when I say ‘‘poor’’’ – circumstances, becoming the first member of her family to go to college. She earned a scholarship to attend the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in theatre arts.

It’s hardly surprising then that when she grew dissatisfied with the limited acting opportunities coming her way, Banks decided to go behind the camera and branch out into producing and directing. Despite acquiring praise for her performances in Seabiscuit and The Hunger Games, as well as for her role as the hilarious sharp-tongued a cappella judge in Pitch Perfect, Banks was searching for more serious parts that she felt were being denied her, primarily because of her appearance. ‘I’ve always felt more like a character actor,’ she says.

Her discontent led her to form her own production company, Brownstone Productions, with her husband, sportswriter, producer, and financier Max Handelman, and develop the Pitch Perfect franchise.

‘Max was the first person to believe in me as a director and he is my strongest supporter,’ she says. ‘He’s saved me in all possible ways. So much of your happiness depends on the person you are with, and my husband and I are always side by side because we run our production company together. Max’s belief in me has never wavered, and I am driven to accomplish as much as I can because I want him to be proud of me.’