Anne Bancroft

Who was Anne Bancroft?

Anna Maria Louisa Italiano, known professionally as Anne Bancroft, was an American actress associated with the method acting school, which she had studied under Lee Strasberg. Respected for her acting prowess and versatility, Bancroft was often acknowledged for her work in film, theatre and television. She won one Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globes, two Tony Awards and two Emmy Awards, and several other awards and nominations.

She made her film debut in Don't Bother to Knock and, following a string of supporting film roles during the 1950s, won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in The Miracle Worker, receiving subsequent nominations for her roles in The Pumpkin Eater, The Graduate, The Turning Point, and Agnes of God. Bancroft's other acclaimed movies as a lead actress include Young Winston, The Prisoner of Second Avenue, To Be or Not to Be, and 84 Charing Cross Road.

Later in her career, she made the transition back to supporting roles in theatrical films such as Point of No Return, Home for the Holidays, Great Expectations, Antz, Keeping the Faith, and Heartbreakers.