Elizabeth Banks is an American actress, director, and producer, born on February 10, 1974, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. She is best known for her roles in films like The Hunger Games series, where she played Effie Trinket, and in Pitch Perfect, both of which she also produced and directed. Banks made her directorial debut with Pitch Perfect 2 in 2015, which was a huge box office success. She also directed, produced, and starred in Charlie's Angels (2019). In addition to her acting and directing career, Banks is known for her work on the television series 30 Rock, where she portrayed Avery Jessup, and has made appearances in shows like Scrubs. She is co-founder of the production company Brownstone Productions, which has produced several successful films. Her advocacy for women's issues and equality in the film industry has made her a prominent voice in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Banks has been praised for her versatility and ability to balance comedic and dramatic roles.