Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role 1963
Anne Bancroft The Miracle Worker 1963
SEX WORKER ROLE
Mary Magdalene in Jesus of Nazareth 1977
Character Is A Prostitute
Anne Bancroft in Jesus of Nazareth 1977
There is debate among many religious scholars as to whether Mary Magdalene was a prostitute or not. In Franco Zeffirelli’s TV movie “Jesus of Nazareth,” it is made clear she is a hooker. Her very first scene depicts the character getting out of bed with what is presumed to be her client. In the scene below, the male character gets out of bed and pays her. Supposedly Elizabeth Taylor was offered the part, but it didn’t work out. Bancroft stepped in and infused the character with fierce intelligence. It would have been interesting to see Elizabeth Taylor’s take on the role of Mary Magdalene.
Watch clip of the film “Jesus of Nazareth” with Anne Bancroft as Mary Magdalene
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