‘Christmas Story’s Melinda Dillon Has Died: Her Grown-up Onscreen Son Pays Emotional Tribute to Her

• Melinda Dillon passed away at the age of 83.

• The ‘Christmas Story’ star was very kind to her on-screen son — after years, he created his own family with two children, just like in the movie.

• He now pays tribute to her 40 years after the film’s release.

Melinda Dillon, famous for her role as Mother Parker in “A Christmas Story,” has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 83. She had an expansive career in Hollywood, which had slowed down in recent years.

The man who played her son in “A Christmas Story” became close to her because she was so kind to him while they were filming and loved her like his own mother. He went on to create a family that looked just like the one he had in the movie.

Melinda Dillon attends the world premiere of “F.I.S.T.” on April 13, 1978 at Filmex in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Although her death has only just been announced, the statement by her family mentioned that she had passed away on January 9. No cause of death was disclosed at the time of the announcement.

During her life, Dillon was married to Richard Libertini from 1963 to 1978. They welcomed one son during their union. The couple met at Second City, where Dillon arranged to have her mail sent when they both said they thought nobody loved them because they had no mail.

Dillon shared that they both laughed at that and later married. Dillon’s most famous role to date was as Mother Parker on “A Christmas Story,” She got to fulfill the role of mother in reality as well.

Dillon Was A Kind and Supportive Mom: Her Onscreen Son Paid Tribute

While Dillon made a lasting impact on many with her role as Mother Parker, one person who she made the most significant impact on was her onscreen son, Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the production.

Now, he is paying tribute to her through a black-and-white photograph of the pair. He mentioned he was saddened to learn of her passing and said working with her on “A Christmas Story” was “a privilege.”

Billingsley then said that she was kind, loving, and thoughtful, adding that the work she had done over the years in the entertainment industry exhibited how incredibly talented she was throughout her career.

Peter Billingsley attends the 67th Annual Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall on June 9, 2013 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Last year, Billingsley made a return to Hollywood after being quiet for some years to reprise his role as Ralphie in 2022’s version of the classic holiday film. It is the first time he has played Ralphie in over 30 years.

While Billingsley was not often seen onscreen after his roles in “A Christmas Story, “Who’s The Boss?” and “Punky Brewster,” he was often behind the scenes. He has acted as a director and producer for big titles such as “Couple’s Retreat,” and “Iron Man.”

Peter Billingsley poses on the red carpet during the “A Christmas Story Christmas” Chicago screening at the Chicago Cultural Center on November 15, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images

Now, Billingsley has his own family, which is similar to the one he had onscreen as a boy in “A Christmas Story.” He admits that he now tries to make Christmas as magical as possible for his family.

What Happened to The Cast of “A Christmas Story” 40 Years Later?

The rest of the cast also had interesting careers after the premiere of “A Christmas Story,” like Ian Petrella, who played Randy in the film. He went on to star in roles such as “Diff’rent Strokes,” “Who’s The Boss?” “My Sister Sam,” “Highway to Heaven,” and “Beverley Hills, 90210.”

Scott Schwartz, Melinda Dillon, Mary E. McLeod, Peter Billingsley, and Reuben Freed arrive at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences 35th Anniversary Screening Of “A Christmas Story” at Samuel Goldwyn Theater on December 10, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Petrella then took a 15-year-long break from acting. He also reprised his role in the second installment of the film in 2022. Darren McGavin, who played Old Man Parker, appeared in titles like “Turk,” “Captain America,” and “Dead Heat.”

His last acting credits were in the late 1990s alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2006 from cardiovascular disease. He was also 83 when he passed on.

We wish Dillon’s family nothing but love and healing during this difficult time. She was a fantastic actress who touched the lives of many with her easy smile and kind eyes. Rest in peace, Melinda Dillon.

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