Elizabeth Banks is an American actress, producer, director, and television host who has built a career across film and television. Born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, she studied communications and theatre at the University of Pennsylvania. She later earned a master’s degree in fine arts from the American Conservatory Theater before relocating to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. 

Banks built her Hollywood profile through a series of notable supporting roles in the Spider-Man trilogy, Scrubs, and 30 Rock. Her international breakthrough came with The Hunger Games franchise (2012–2015), where she played the unforgettable Capitol official Effie Trinket. She also starred in and produced the Pitch Perfect series, making her feature directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). Since then, she has directed Charlie’s Angels (2019) and Cocaine Bear (2023).

In May 2019, Banks debuted as host and executive producer of ABC’s revived game show Press Your Luck. Her warm rapport with contestants and her deep personal connection to the original show have won widespread praise. In 2025, she received a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Game Show Host for her work on the series.