Ann Bancroft

Anne Bancroft (September 17, 1931 – June 6, 2005) was an American actress of stage, film, and television. A three-time Tony Award and two-time Academy Award nominee, Bancroft won one Tony Award and one Academy Award, as well as two Golden Globe Awards, two British Academy Film Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards.

Bancroft was born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano in the Bronx, New York City, to Michael G. Italiano, an Italian immigrant, and Mildred (née Di Napoli), an Italian-American. She was raised in a working-class Italian-American neighborhood, and her family spoke Italian at home. Bancroft attended Christopher Columbus High School, where she began acting in school plays. After graduating from high school, she studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she graduated in 1950.

Bancroft made her Broadway debut in 1951 in the play "Two for the Seesaw". She won her first Tony Award in 1958 for her performance in the title role of "Two for the Seesaw". In 1960, she made her film debut in "The Miracle Worker", for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1964 for her performance in "The Graduate".

Bancroft continued to appear in films and on stage throughout her career. She received a second Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 1977 for her performance in "The Turning Point". She also won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama, for her performances in "The Graduate" and "The Turning Point".

In addition to her work in film and theater, Bancroft also appeared on television. She won two Primetime Emmy Awards for her performances in the television miniseries "Mrs. G. Goes to College" (1982) and "The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" (1994).

Bancroft was married to the actor Mel Brooks from 1964 until her death in 2005. They had one son, Max Brooks. Bancroft died of lung cancer at her home in New York City at the age of 73.

Bancroft was a highly respected and acclaimed actress who made significant contributions to the world of entertainment. She was known for her powerful performances and her ability to bring complex characters to life. She was also a vocal advocate for social justice and equality. Bancroft's legacy continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.