[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 76 (Thursday, June 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF THE LIFE AND CAREER OF ACTRESS ANNE BANCROFT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 9, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the distinguished life and career of actress and friend Anne Bancroft.
  Anne's legendary career spanned more than 50 years and included 
honors and awards for roles performed in film, television, and on the 
stage. Most notable among these were her Oscar, Emmy, and Tony awards, 
an accomplishment achieved by only a select few.
  Born to a family of Italian immigrants on September 17, 1931, in the 
Bronx, New York, Anne quickly developed a love for performance. By the 
time she was 4-years-old, Anne was already taking dance and acting 
lessons. When she was 9, she famously wrote on a fence behind her 
childhood home, ``I want to be an actress.'' Little could she have 
known then what a splendid acting career lie in front of her.
  After studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, 
she moved to Hollywood in 1950 to pursue her dream. Her first film, 
``Don't Bother to Knock'' in 1952 starred Marilyn Monroe and Richard 
Widmark. It was her role in 1962 's ``The Miracle Worker,'' however, 
that really launched Anne on the path to becoming an acting legend. She 
famously portrayed Annie Sullivan, Helen Keller's dedicated and truly 
determined teacher. For her effort, she was rewarded with the Academy 
Award for Best Actress. 1967's ``The Graduate'' is the film that sealed 
Anne Bancroft's place in American popular culture. Co-starring with 
Dustin Hoffman, she became the very embodiment of the character of Mrs. 
Robinson. Mike Nichols, the film's director, recently remarked that 
Anne's ``beauty was constantly shifting with her roles, and because she 
was a consummate actress, she changed radically for every part.'' 
Additionally, Arthur Penn, who directed her in both the stage and film 
versions of ``The Miracle Worker,'' said that she was an actress who 
``can play anything.'' I can think of no higher complement that can be 
said of an actor.
  Anne's death is truly a loss to American culture. Fortunately, her 
wonderfully-talented performances will live on for future generations 
to watch and enjoy.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in remembrance of Anne 
Bancroft whose life and legacy has been a source of enjoyment for so 
many. My thoughts and prayers are with Anne's beloved husband, director 
Mel Brooks, and son, Maximillian.

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