The famous American actress Anna Maria Louisa Italiano popularly known as Anne Bancroft was born on September 17, 1931 in The Bronx , New York. Anne’s mother was a dress designer and her father worked as a telephone operator. Both of Anne Bancroft’s parents were Italian immigrants.

In 1948, after completing her graduation from Christopher Columbus High School, Anne attended the New York based American Academy of Dramatic Arts and the Manhattan based Actors Studio. Anne appeared in a number of live television dramas under the screen name of Anne Marno , however In 1952 Anne was asked to adopt the name of Anne Bancroft for her debut film Don't Bother to Knock released in 1952.

During her initial years Anne Bancroft accepted to work on contract with studios, but subsequently returned to New York after the end of her contract, she was supposedly fed up of the sub standard roles being offered to her. In 1958 Anne appeared in Broadway's production film Two for the Seesaw opposite Henry Fonda. The wonderfully played role brought Anne a Tony Award. Four years later Anne once again gave a marvellous performance for the movie The Miracle Worker released in 1962 winning her an Oscar, National Board of Review Award and a San Sebastián International Film Festival Prize in the best actress category.

Anne Bancroft appeared in the acclaimed television show "Annie: the Women in the Life of a Man”, This time her role brought her an Emmy award for acting and singing. Anne Bancroft is among the few distinguished actors to win all three prestigious awards namely Oscar, Tony and Emmy. Besides her award winning performances Anne has played remarkable roles in 7 Women, The Pumpkin Eater, The Graduate and many other popular films.

Anne Bancroft made her directorial debut in the 1980 American Comedy film Fatso featuring her along with Dom De Luise in the lead roles. Besides direction Anne had written the screenplay and story line for the same movie.

Anne’s first marriage was with Martin May on July 1, 1953 the marriage however and resulted in divorce after four years. On August 5, 1964 Anne Bancroft married Mel Brooks after dating for three years. The couple were blessed with a son in 1972 whom they called Maximillian .Anne and Mel lived together until Anne’s death in 2005.

Anne Bancroft and Mel Brooks were seen on screen three times together: First in 1976 while dancing a tango in Brook's Silent Movie, again in the 1983 remake of To Be or Not to Be and finally in the HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm in the entitled episode "Opening Night”. Anne acted in Brooks produced film The Elephant Man in 1980. In 1981 this film received a BAFTA Award in the Best film of the year category; the movie also received nominations for eight Academy Awards.

Anne Bancroft died at the age of 74 on June 6th, 2005. The principal cause was uterine cancer for which Anne was admitted to New York City based Mount Sinai Hospital. After her death Anne was interred in a white marble monument near her father's grave in Valhalla, New York City at the Kensico Cemetery.