Melinda Dillon’s on-screen mother is being honored by actor Peter Billingsley in the wake of her passing.

In the beloved holiday film A Christmas Story, the two played a mother and a son.

Dillon was ‘gentle, supportive, cool, considerate, helpful, and committed,’ according to 51-year-old Billingsley.

Dillon, who was most known for playing the mother of Randy and Ralphie (played by Billingsley) in A Christmas Story, passed away on January 9 at the age of 83.

Although many people associate her with the classic holiday film, Close Encounters of the Third Kind marked her breakout performance.

She received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

You’ll shoot yourself in the eye!
Although some people may only be familiar with her from the 1983 movie A Christmas Story,

she appeared in a large number of movies and television shows until retiring in 2007.According to Billingsley, ‘Her collection of work proved her remarkable range and talent.’