Actress Mary Badham, who played the character “Scout†in the 1962 film “To Kill a Mockingbird†with Gregory Peck, spoke at Western Kentucky University’s Kentucky Library & Museum on the evening of February 10 in connection with the Southern Kentucky Book Fest Big Read program.
The Big Read Southern Kentucky is focusing on the classic book “To Kill a Mockingbird†by Harper Lee. Ms. Badham’s appearance was the first of three special celebrity and author appearances for The Big Read taking place in Bowling Green and the surrounding area. Ms. Badham’s appearance was moderated by WBKO anchor Gene Birk and was free and open to the public.
Ms. Badham was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the movie and was the youngest person ever nominated at that time. She is also the younger sister of film director John Badham who directed the movies “Saturday Night Fever†and “War Games†among others. As an added attraction the film “To Kill a Mockingbird†that Ms. Badham starred in had been shown at the Kentucky Library & Museum prior to her appearance.
SOKY Book Fest is a partnership project of WKU Libraries, Warren County Public Library, and Barnes & Noble Booksellers. For information about all of the local Big Read events visit www.bgonebook.org or contact Tracy Harkins at (270) 745-5016.
Photo Album of Mary Badham’s Appearance at KY Library & Museum