Phillip Alford

Phillip Alford (born September 11, 1948) is an American actor best known for his role as Jeremy "Jem" Finch in the 1962 film To Kill a Mockingbird.

Alford was born Philip Alford (Philip spelled with one "L") in Gadsden, Alabama. Alford appeared in three productions with Birmingham's Town and Gown Civic Theatre, whose director called up Alford's mother to see if her son was interested in auditioning for the part of Jem in To Kill a Mockingbird. Initially Alford had refused, but agreed to audition under the condition that he would miss half a day of school. As one of the three finalists, he was called to New York for a screen test several weeks later and won the role of Jem Finch.