Acting
Mary Badham
Mary Badham, born on October 7, 1952, is an acclaimed American actress best remembered for her role as Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch in the classic film To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). At just 10 years old, she became the youngest actress ever nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, although the award ultimately went to Patty Duke for her performance in The Miracle Worker.
Badham, who is thirteen years younger than her brother, film director John Badham, has never collaborated with him on any projects. Before her breakout role in To Kill a Mockingbird, she had no prior acting experience. Throughout the production, she formed a close bond with Gregory Peck, who portrayed her father, Atticus Finch, maintaining contact with him for years and affectionately referring to him as 'Atticus' until his passing in 2003.
In addition to her iconic role in Mockingbird, Badham is also recognized for her performance as 'Sport Sharewood' in The Bewitchin' Pool, the final episode of the original Twilight Zone series. She appeared in several other films, including Let's Kill Uncle and This Property Is Condemned, before stepping away from acting.
Encouraged by actor and director Cameron Watson, Badham returned to the screen for a cameo in the film Our Very Own. Currently, she works as an art restorer and college testing coordinator. A devoted mother of two, she actively shares her experiences from To Kill a Mockingbird while promoting themes of tolerance and compassion.
