Anne Bancroft (1931-2005) is one of 24 thespians, and the first and only Italian American actress to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting. She had heads turning as the infamous Mrs. Robinson in "The Graduate" and mesmerized audiences in her Oscar-winning role as the teacher of a teenage Helen Keller in "The Miracle Worker."

Born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano, in 1931 in the Bronx, Bancroft was the child of Italian immigrants. She attended several dramatic arts schools and later appeared in a number of television productions under the name Anne Marno, but later was told to change her name once again for her film debut in “Don’t Bother to Knock.”

Bancroft would go on to star in television, film and on stage, becoming highly respected for her versatility and acting prowess. Her abilities garnered her countless nominations, and several awards including an Academy Award, three BAFTA Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, two Tony Awards, and two Primetime Emmy Awards during her impressive career.