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Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman: All About their 30-Years of Relationship, Marriage and Family
Elizabeth Banks has been a familiar face in Hollywood for decades, but behind the scenes, her personal story with husband Max Handelman has been equally remarkable. From meeting on their first day of college to building a family and a successful production company, their relationship has stood the test of time. Here’s a closer look at how Banks and Handelman have built a marriage, a business, and a life together over the course of more than 30 years.
How Did Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman Meet?
Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman in the late 90s.
Source: Elizabeth Banks/Instagram
Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman’s journey began in 1993 at the University of Pennsylvania. Banks has humorously recounted her first impressions of Handelman during interviews, saying he “looked exactly like Jason Priestly from 90210” and that he was wearing a vest with no shirt—a bold college look that caught her attention.
Their first date was at a jazz club, which Banks has described as “the greatest date” of her life. Though neither of them imagined marriage in those early days, Banks has admitted she quickly realised there was no one she liked more than Handelman. Despite typical college crushes and distractions, their bond endured, forming the foundation for what would later become a lifelong partnership.
When Did They Get Married and How Have They Stayed Strong?
After nearly a decade together, Banks and Handelman married on July 5, 2003, in an intimate ceremony at the Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills. Unlike many Hollywood couples, their relationship has only strengthened over time.
Banks has credited their success to shared values and a commitment to staying close despite busy careers. “We were constantly making decisions that kept us close,” she said in a 2019 interview. “You’re going to have bad moments. You’ve committed to something. Do you value it or don’t you?”
In 2023, they celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary with a custom sapphire ring. Two years later, they marked 22 years of marriage with a low-key dinner, proving that even after decades together, they value simple, meaningful celebrations over grand gestures.
How Did Brownstone Productions Change Their Lives?
In the early 2000s, as Banks’ acting career gained momentum, the couple realised they were spending too much time apart. Handelman was pursuing his MBA at UCLA and writing a book on fantasy football, while Banks was travelling frequently for filming. To bridge this gap, they decided to merge their personal and professional ambitions, co-founding Brownstone Productions in 2002.
Their joint venture paid off. The company produced Pitch Perfect, a project inspired by a book proposal Handelman received from his literary agent. Recognising its potential, they transformed it into one of the most successful film franchises of the decade.
Brownstone Productions has since expanded its portfolio with hits like Shrill, Charlie’s Angels (2019), Cocaine Bear, and Bottoms. Banks has praised Handelman’s business instincts, calling him “a real bloodhound for material” with a sharp eye for storytelling. Together, they’ve proven that a marriage can thrive both personally and professionally in Hollywood.
What Challenges Did They Face in Starting a Family?
Becoming parents wasn’t easy for Banks and Handelman. The actress has been candid about her struggles with unexplained infertility. While she had no trouble producing embryos, they wouldn’t implant. Banks has said she told her children, “Mommy had a broken belly,” explaining why she couldn’t carry them herself.
Ultimately, the couple turned to surrogacy. In 2011, they welcomed their first son, Felix, followed by Magnus Mitchell in 2012. At the time, surrogacy wasn’t as common, and Banks admitted she initially struggled with the idea. However, advice from a close friend helped shift her perspective: “Is your goal to be pregnant or to be a mom?… I just want the baby. Who cares about the pregnancy? Get the baby.”
Today, Felix and Magnus are thriving, and Banks has openly discussed how parenthood transformed her life. Balancing school routines with film productions, she and Handelman have embraced their roles as parents while continuing to build their careers.
How Do They Balance Marriage, Family, and Hollywood Success?
Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman.
Source: Getty Images
Navigating marriage, parenthood, and running a successful production company is no small feat. Banks describes their dynamic as “yin and yang.” Handelman’s calm, diplomatic approach balances her fiery and emotional side.
Even with demanding schedules, they prioritise quality time together as a family. Their anniversary celebrations reflect this balance—quiet dinners and heartfelt moments, rather than lavish parties. Banks has described their relationship as her greatest accomplishment: “We made a life together, made a business, made a family. Still mad for each other. We’re doing alright.”
Handelman has been a constant support at red carpet events, including the 2024 Film Independent Spirit Awards, highlighting their partnership both on and off the screen.
What Keeps Their Relationship Strong After 30 Years?
After more than three decades together and 22 years of marriage, Banks and Handelman’s bond continues to grow. They’ve weathered the challenges of young adulthood, demanding careers, and parenthood by maintaining open communication and a shared vision for their future.
Banks once summed it up simply: “I didn’t meet my husband and think, ‘I’ve met the man I’m going to marry.’ I was like, ‘He’s cute…’ And then, over time, I just realised I’ve never met anyone I liked more.”
That enduring affection, combined with a dedication to growing together rather than apart, has made them one of Hollywood’s rare long-lasting love stories.
FAQs
Who is Max Handelman? Max Handelman is a producer, writer, and co-founder of Brownstone Productions. He began his career in investment banking and sportswriting before transitioning to film production with his wife, Elizabeth Banks.
When did Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman get married? They married on July 5, 2003, after dating for nearly ten years, having met on their first day of college.
Do they have children? Yes, they have two sons: Felix (born 2011) and Magnus Mitchell (born 2012), both of whom were welcomed via surrogacy.
What are some notable films produced by Brownstone Productions? The company is behind the Pitch Perfect franchise, Shrill, Charlie’s Angels (2019), Cocaine Bear, and Bottoms.
How long have they been together? As of 2025, Elizabeth Banks and Max Handelman have been together for over 30 years and have been married for 22 years.
