Melinda Dillon
Acting

Melinda Dillon

Born 1939-10-13 · Hope, Arkansas, USA · Died 2023-01-09

Melinda Rose Dillon (October 13, 1939 - January 9, 2023) was a twice Oscar nominated American actress. She was best known for her roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Absence of Malice and the holiday classic A Christmas Story.

ActorCast

Known for

F.I.S.T.★ 6.5Viewing moment
F.I.S.T.
1978
Close Encounters of the Third Kind★ 7.4Viewing moment
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977
Magnolia★ 7.7Viewing moment
Magnolia
1999
The Muppet Movie★ 7.1Viewing moment
The Muppet Movie
1979
Slap Shot★ 6.9Viewing moment
Slap Shot
1977
Reign Over Me★ 7.2Viewing moment
Reign Over Me
2007
Captain America★ 4.5Viewing moment
Captain America
1990
How to Make an American Quilt★ 6.4Viewing moment
How to Make an American Quilt
1995
Harry and the Hendersons★ 6.1Viewing moment
Harry and the Hendersons
1987
A Christmas Story★ 7.3Viewing moment
A Christmas Story
1983
The Prince of Tides★ 6.6Viewing moment
The Prince of Tides
1991
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar★ 7.3Viewing moment
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
1995
Absence of Malice★ 6.7Viewing moment
Absence of Malice
1981
Spontaneous Combustion★ 4.8Viewing moment
Spontaneous Combustion
1990
Bound for Glory★ 6.9Viewing moment
Bound for Glory
1976
A Painted House★ 7Viewing moment
A Painted House
2003
Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story★ 5.5Viewing moment
Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story
1996
Adam & Steve★ 5.6Viewing moment
Adam & Steve
2005
Songwriter★ 5.2Viewing moment
Songwriter
1984
Right of Way★ 7.5Viewing moment
Right of Way
1983
Hal★ 6.4Viewing moment
Hal
2019
The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'★ 6.8Viewing moment
The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'
2001
Cowboy Up★ 6.2Viewing moment
Cowboy Up
2002
Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge★ 8.7Viewing moment
Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge
1995
Staying Together★ 5.3Viewing moment
Staying Together
1989
Shattered Spirits★ 5.2Viewing moment
Shattered Spirits
1986
Space★ 7.7Viewing moment
Space
1985 · Series
Sioux City★ 5.5Viewing moment
Sioux City
1994
The April Fools★ 6.1Viewing moment
The April Fools
1969
Fallen Angel★ 5.6Viewing moment
Fallen Angel
1981
Debating Robert Lee★ 10Viewing moment
Debating Robert Lee
2004
State of Emergency★ 4Viewing moment
State of Emergency
1994
The Cry of Jazz★ 5.9Viewing moment
The Cry of Jazz
1959
Shattered Innocence★ 7Viewing moment
Shattered Innocence
1988
Confessions: Two Faces of Evil★ 4Viewing moment
Confessions: Two Faces of Evil
1994
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas★ 7Viewing moment
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas
1997
Advance to Ground Zero★ 7.1Viewing moment
Advance to Ground Zero
1989
Marriage Is Alive and WellViewing moment
Marriage Is Alive and Well
1980
The Critical List★ 9Viewing moment
The Critical List
1978 · Series
Judgment Day: The John List Story★ 3Viewing moment
Judgment Day: The John List Story
1993

Frequent collaborators

Martin SheenMartin SheenBeau BridgesBeau BridgesPaul NewmanPaul NewmanLouis Gossett Jr.Louis Gossett Jr.Swoosie KurtzSwoosie KurtzRenée EstevezRenée EstevezAri MeyersAri MeyersNicholas PryorNicholas Pryor