Oscar-nominated actress Melinda Dillion dies aged 83

Actress Melinda Dillion, known for her roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind and A Christmas Story, has died at the age of 83.

The obituary for the Oscar-nominated actress, provided by her family, simply read: “Melinda Ruth Dillon, age 83, of Los Angeles, California passed away on Monday, January 9, 2023.”

She is survived by her son Richard Libertini Jr.

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Dillon began her career as an improvisational comedian and stage actress, landing a role in the short film, The Cry of Jazz, in 1959 as her debut.

Her first breakout role was in the 1962 Broadway production of Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, which earned her a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Play.

She also earned nominations for other awards, such as a Golden Globe for Bound for Glory in 1976 and was also nominated for two Oscars, one for Best Supporting Actress in Close Encounters of the Third Kind in 1977, and Absence of Malice in 1981.

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The actress’ last known works were the film was Reign Over Me and television series Heartland, both released in 2007.

Fans have shared tributes to the actress, who they describe as “underrated”.

“RIP Melinda Dillon. In my opinion she was seriously underrated, despite having two Oscar nominations. She should have received a third for ‘A Christmas Story’, where she brought depth and nuance to what could have been a one-note character.,” wrote one fan on Twitter.

“RIP to the legendary actress who warned a generation about the dangers of shooting their eye out, CHRISTMAS STORY and CLOSE ENCOUNTERS star Melinda Dillon,” wrote another.

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“I’ve watched A Christmas Story so many times, and one of the things I’ve come to appreciate is Melinda Dillon’s performance. It’s really two roles, one as mother and another as wife, and she’s just lovely as both. Rest in peace,” said another.

“Melinda Dillon’s spirit in A Christmas Story reminded me of my mom so much, and I hardly think I am the only one who thinks that. I always loved her,” another commented.

“Farewell, Melinda~ thank you for sharing your wonderful talents with us in some legendary films,” one said.

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