Melinda Dillon, a well-known actress best known for her roles in classic Hollywood films, died at 84. Her family and close friends have recently revealed the cause of her death.

Dillon was born in Hope, Arkansas, on October 13, 1939. She began her acting career in the mid-1960s and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.

She is best known for her roles in films such as “A Christmas Story” and “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.”

“A Christmas Story,” released in 1983, has become a holiday tradition for many families. Dillon played Ralphie’s mother in the film, and audiences and critics widely praised her performance.

She co-starred with Richard Dreyfuss in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” as a woman who encounters extraterrestrial life and becomes a key figure in the story’s central conflict.

Dillon’s acting abilities were not limited to film; she also had a successful stage career. She appeared in numerous productions on Broadway, including “A Delicate Balance” and “Absurd Person Singular.” She also appeared on the popular television show “The Bob Newhart Show” regularly.

Dillon received numerous awards for her work throughout her career. For her performance in “Absent-Minded Professor,” she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She also received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle and New York Drama Desk Awards.

Dillon was well-known for her charitable contributions in addition to her acting career. She was an outspoken supporter of the arts and education, and she was the founder of the American Film Institute.

She was also active in several humanitarian organizations, working tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for causes such as homelessness, hunger, and children in need.

Dillon died on December 5, 2018, but her legacy lives on through her work and influence in the entertainment industry. Her family and close friends remember her as a talented actress and a kind and generous person who touched many people’s lives.

To summarize, Melinda Dillon was a Hollywood icon who left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry with her exceptional acting talent and commitment to charitable causes. She will be remembered as a beloved actress, philanthropist, and true inspiration to all who knew her.