Melinda Dillon

Melinda Ruth Dillon (October 13, 1939 – January 9, 2023) was an American actress known for her roles on stage and screen. She received a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and Absence of Malice. Dillon is most recognized for her portrayal of Mother Parker in the beloved holiday film A Christmas Story. Throughout her career, she appeared in a range of films, including Bound for Glory, Slap Shot, The Muppet Movie, Harry and the Hendersons, Captain America, The Prince of Tides, and Magnolia. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry.