We bid farewell to the legendary Melinda Dillon, a two-time Oscar nominee and star of iconic films like ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind.’ Dillon passed away on January 9, according to Neptune Society, the cremation provider. She was 83.

Dillon will forever be remembered for her memorable roles in ‘A Christmas Story’, where she played the mother of a boy who longed for a toy rifle, and ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’, where she searched for her little boy after he was abducted by aliens. She also earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in ‘Absence of Malice’, and appeared in ‘Slap Shot’, ‘Harry and the Hendersons’, and ‘Bound for Glory’.

Before her film career, Dillon was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the original cast of ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’ on Broadway in the 1960s. Her Hollywood colleagues and fans paid tribute to the actress on social media, with Barbra Streisand writing “Melinda Dillon was such a great actress, with a wonderful delicacy about her. She was a delight to direct in Prince of Tides. May she rest in peace.”

Melinda Dillon will be remembered for her incredible performances, her grace, and her undeniable talent. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and fans around the world.

Source: abc7.com