You might not know her name, but if you have a taste for comedy then you should recognize Elizabeth Banks. She was born in Massachusetts in 1974 and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania. (Banks and Tina Fey single-handedly prove that you can brains, beauty, and a sense of humor.) After bit parts in movies like Spider-Man, Catch Me If You Can, and Seabiscuit, Banks’ breakout role was in the 2005 hit The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

Since then, Banks has appeared in numerous movies, including Invincible; Definitely, Maybe; Zack and Miri Make a Porno; and Role Models. She also had a guest stint on Scrubs. Banks has mastered the role of the spunky and bubbly girlfriend. She has shown her strengths as a dramatic actress in the biopic W., in which she played former First Lady Laura Bush, and the upcoming The Next Three Days, opposite Russell Crowe.

The reason I’m currently obsessed with Elizabeth Banks? Her guest role on one of my favorite shows, 30 Rock. She was originally slated to appear in four episodes this season, but she has already appeared nine times and by the looks of the season finale (which I finally finished watching on Hulu) she’ll be back. Banks plays Avery Jessup, one of Jack Donaghy’s (Alec Baldwin) many girlfriends. Avery, who is a conservative talk show host, stands out from the other female characters on the show. Jenna is dramatic, Cerie is sweet but shallow, and Liz is, well, Liz, but Avery is strong, smart, and confident. Banks is a great addition to 30 Rock, even if it’s just a guest stint.

So basically, Elizabeth Banks is pretty awesome. She’s talented, hilarious, and sexy. She’s one of today’s most promising actresses, and I can’t wait to see her career skyrocket.

What do you think? Do you love Elizabeth Banks too?

~ Sarah