Anne Bancroft was 35–36 years old during the filming and release of The Graduate (1967), playing the much older-seeming Mrs. Robinson.

Quick Scoop

  • Anne Bancroft was born on September 17, 1931.
  • The Graduate was released in 1967, which makes her 36 for most viewers’ purposes (35 during much of production, 36 by release).
  • She played the older, sophisticated Mrs. Robinson opposite Dustin Hoffman, who was around 29–30 at the time, creating the famous “forbidden older woman” vibe even though their real age gap was under a decade.

Many fans are surprised to learn she was only in her mid‑30s, because the styling, costume, and character writing all make Mrs. Robinson read as closer to 40–45 on screen.

In short: by the time The Graduate hit theaters in late 1967, Anne Bancroft was 36, giving one of the most iconic performances of a “middle‑aged” character ever filmed.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.