How Ivy League Education Shaped Elizabeth Banks' Life

When it comes to the advantages of attending an elite university like the University of Pennsylvania, Elizabeth Banks knows firsthand what it can offer. "I met my husband Max [Handelman] there—he's my business partner and helps me with everything," she shared enthusiastically with Closer Weekly during an exclusive interview at the TCA Winter Press Tour in mid-February. "Had I not gone to Penn, I doubt I'd have built such a thriving business!"

Education at this prestigious institution not only prepared the star of The 40-Year-Old Virgin for her future business ventures but also gave her deeper insights into her relationship with her husband. "There’s love. And then there’s lust," Elizabeth, now 45, explained. "Our connection is truly special. It’s amazing." The bond they share extends beyond romance, serving as the foundation for both their professional and personal lives.

Elizabeth Banks of 'Shrill' speaks onstage during the Hulu Panel during the Winter TCA — Getty Images

A Powerful Partnership: Work and Family

Elizabeth and Max, who are producing the Hulu series Shrill set to debut on March 15, are a dynamic duo both professionally and personally. Since tying the knot in 2003, they’ve welcomed two sons via surrogate: Felix, 7, and Magnus, 6. "The last romantic gesture Max made for me was taking the kids to soccer in the rain while I got a massage for my birthday," Elizabeth joked with Closer. "We balance each other out really well, and we have immense mutual respect."

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Elizabeth Banks: A Hollywood Icon

Over the span of her illustrious career, Elizabeth has carved out a remarkable niche for herself in Hollywood. She’s starred in blockbuster films like Pitch Perfect and The Hunger Games, and has appeared on hit TV shows such as 30 Rock and Modern Family. But nothing has brought her more fulfillment than embracing motherhood.

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Last day of summer break 2018 – school starts tomorrow. #backtoschool
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Motherhood: A New Chapter in Life

"Raising two kids is very different from raising one. When you have one, you feel like you can still maintain some semblance of freedom—throw him on your hip and get things done," Elizabeth revealed to People in 2013 after welcoming her second child. "You don’t realize how much easier it is with one until you have two. Now I’m really a mom. Oh, I am a mom now! This is serious— I’m responsible for two lives now." Her journey into motherhood has been transformative, teaching her invaluable lessons about balance and responsibility.

Elizabeth also opened up about the challenges of being a new mom. "We had no help, no nannies, no babysitters. It was overwhelming," she admitted. "You forget just how exhausting it is to wake up in the middle of the night. I lost all my nails from doing dishes and cleaning bottles for 10 days straight!" Her candid reflections resonate deeply with countless mothers who can relate to the highs and lows of early parenthood.