Who was Anne Bancroft? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Also Known As: Anna Maria Louisa Italiano

Died At Age: 73

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Martin May (m. 1953–1957), Mel Brooks (m. 1964–2005)

father: Michael Italiano

mother: Mildred

siblings: Joanne Italiano, Phyllis Italiano

children: Max Brooks

Actresses American Women

Height: 5'8" (173 cm), 5'8" Females

Died on: June 6, 2005

place of death: New York, United States

Notable Alumni: UCLA Film School

Cause of Death: Uterine Cancer

Ancestry: Italian American

U.S. State: New Yorkers

More Facts

education: American Academy Of Dramatic Arts, UCLA Film School

Recommended For You

1

What role is Anne Bancroft best known for?

Anne Bancroft is best known for her iconic role as Mrs. Robinson in the film "The Graduate."
2

Did Anne Bancroft win any major acting awards?

Yes, Anne Bancroft won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "The Miracle Worker" in 1963.
3

How many times did Anne Bancroft portray the character of Mrs. Robinson?

Anne Bancroft portrayed the character of Mrs. Robinson twice, first in "The Graduate" in 1967 and then in the sequel "The Graduate Part II" in 1980.
4

What was Anne Bancroft's approach to acting?

Anne Bancroft was known for her intense dedication to her craft, often immersing herself fully in her roles and characters.
5

Did Anne Bancroft ever direct any films?

Yes, Anne Bancroft directed one feature film titled "Fatso" in 1980, in which she also starred.

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Childhood & Early Life

She was born as Anna Maria to first generation Italian parents in New York. Her mother Mildred was a telephone operator while her father Michael Italiano was a dress pattern maker. She had two sisters.

She displayed an early interest in acting and attended dancing and acting lessons from the time she was four.

She went to Christopher Columbus High School and graduated in 1948. Then she went to the American Academy of Dramatic Arts to study acting and drama. She also attended American Film Institute’s Directing Workshop for Women at the University of California.

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Career

She adopted the screen name Anne Marno and appeared in numerous television shows. She was also trying to break into films and was selected for the movie, ‘Don’t Bother to Knock’ in 1952. While entering films she again changed her name to Anne Bancroft.

Over the next few years she did get film roles but her career did not seem to be moving forward. Disappointed at the kind of roles she was being offered she turned to theatre.

She made her Broadway debut in 1958 as Gittel Mosca, a lovelorn woman in love with a married man in the play ‘Two for the Seesaw’ which was directed by Arthur Penn. Her performance was much appreciated.

In 1960, she played the leading role of Annie Sullivan, the sight-impaired teacher of young Helen Keller in the play ‘The Miracle Worker’. She reprised this role in the film version of the same play in 1962.

Returning to Broadway, she appeared in the play ‘Mother Courage and Her Children’ in 1963. Written by the German dramatist and poet Bertolt Brecht, the play is considered to be one of the greatest of the 20th century.

She played a nun who becomes obsessed with a priest in the 1965 Broadway production, ‘The Devils’. The play ran for 63 performances.

In the 1967 comedy drama ‘The Graduate’, she played an elegant older woman who seduces a young college graduate who ultimately falls in love with the seductress’s daughter.

After a series of not so memorable roles during the early 1970s she acted in the 1977 drama film, ‘The Turning Point’ which focused on the world of ballet in New York City. The film was a huge success and nominated for several Academy Awards.

She played Anna Bronski in the 1983 comedy drama ‘To Be or Not to Be’ that was produced by her husband Mel Brooks. It was a remake of the 1942 film of the same name.

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In 1987, she starred in the British-American drama, ’84 Charing Cross Road’ directed by David Jones. It was based on a play by James-Roose Evans.

Over the 1990s she continued acting in films but was comparatively more active in television. She played Kate Jerome in the television movie, ‘Broadway Bound’ in 1992.

Along with Diane Lane, Donald Sutherland and Cicely Tyson, she appeared in the ‘Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tell All’ in 1994, a two part television film directed by Ken Cameron.

She continued acting in television and films over the late 1990s though she has begun to suffer health problems. In fact she remained active till the very end.

Major Works

She is best known for her portrayal of the English teacher, Annie Sullivan who is appointed to teach the young Helen Keller in the biographical film, ‘The Miracle Worker’. The film was an instant critical hit and won her several prestigious awards.

Awards & Achievements

She was honored with an Academy Award for the Best Actress in a Leading Role, in 1962, for her portrayal of Annie Sullivan in ‘The Miracle Worker’. She also won a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Actress and National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Actress for the same role.

Personal Life & Legacy

She married Martin May in 1953. This marriage did not last long and the couple divorced in 1957.

She met the comedian Mel Brooks in 1961 and started a relationship with him. The couple tied the knot in 1964 and was blessed with a son a few years later. They remained happily married until Bancroft’s death.

During her later years she suffered from uterine cancer and died in 2005.

Facts About Anne Bancroft

Anne Bancroft's real name was Anna Maria Louisa Italiano, and she changed it to Anne Bancroft when she started her acting career.

Anne Bancroft won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Helen Keller's teacher in the film "The Miracle Worker."

She was known for her versatility as an actress, playing a wide range of characters on stage and screen throughout her career.

Anne Bancroft was a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes such as education and the arts during her lifetime.

1968	Best Actress - Comedy or Musical	The Graduate (1967)
1965	Best Actress - Drama	The Pumpkin Eater (1964)

1999	Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie	Deep in My Heart (1999)
1970	Outstanding Variety or Musical Program - Variety and Popular Music	Annie, the Women in the Life of a Man (1970)

1988	Best Actress	84 Charing Cross Road (1987)
1965	Best Foreign Actress	The Pumpkin Eater (1964)
1963	Best Foreign Actress	The Miracle Worker (1962)

Anne Bancroft Biography

You wanted to know

What role is Anne Bancroft best known for?

Did Anne Bancroft win any major acting awards?

How many times did Anne Bancroft portray the character of Mrs. Robinson?

What was Anne Bancroft's approach to acting?

Did Anne Bancroft ever direct any films?