Acting
Phillip Alford
Phillip Alford, born on September 11, 1948, is an American actor who gained fame for portraying Jeremy "Jem" Finch in the acclaimed 1962 film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Originally named Philip Alford (with one "L"), he hails from Gadsden, Alabama. Alford's journey into acting began with his performances in three productions at Birmingham's Town and Gown Civic Theatre. It was there that the director reached out to his mother, inquiring whether Phillip would be interested in auditioning for the role of Jem. At first, he declined but later agreed to audition, provided he could miss half a day of school. This decision ultimately led him to New York for a screen test, where he was selected as one of the final contenders and ultimately won the coveted part of Jem Finch.
During the filming process, Alford's family accompanied him to Hollywood, where his sister, Eugenia, took on the role of stand-in for Mary Badham, who portrayed Scout, Jem’s sister. The dynamic between Alford and Badham was often tumultuous, with the two actors frequently clashing during production, leading to some playful mischief.
Today, Phillip Alford has transitioned from acting and is a prosperous businessman based in Birmingham, Alabama. His other notable acting works include appearances in Fair Play (1972), The Intruders (1970), Shenandoah (1965), and Bristle Face (1964).
