Biography: Anne Bancroft was born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano on September 17, 1931 in the Bronx, New York to Mildred and Michael G. Italiano. She attended the New York Academy of Dramatic Arts. She married Martin A. May and then married filmmaker Mel Brooks, with whom she had her son Maximilian.

Film/TV Credits: Film credits include: "The Graduate," "Blazing Saddles," "The Elephant Man," "The Miracle Worker," "Great Expectations," "Antz," "G.I. Jane," "Heartbreakers," "Love Potion No. 9," "Point of No Return," "and "Keeping the Faith." Television credits include: "The Simpsons," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color," "What's My Line?," "Great Performances," and "Zane Grey Theater."

Other Awards: Received a star on the Walk of Fame in 1960. Oscar for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "The Miracle Worker" in 1963. Best Actress Award for "The Pumpkin Eater" at the Cannes Film Festival in 1964. Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety or Musical Program - Variety and Popular Music for "Annie, the Women in the Life of a Man" in 1970. Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Special for "Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All" in 1994.

Trivia:
The marquees of Broadway theaters were dimmed in her honor on June 8, 2005.