It’s been 42 years since the classic Christmas movie A Christmas Story debuted in theaters. And while none of them have shot their eyes out with a BB gun during that time, they have done other memorable things, like acting and keeping their costumes from the film locked in their basement. To learn exactly what the cast of A Christmas Story has been up to, keep scrolling!
Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker
Born in 1971, Peter Billingsley grew up acting in commercials before getting cast as Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story. Following that, he worked on Punky Brewster (1985-86), Highway to Heaven (1985) and The Wonder Years (1993). He also decided to switch from acting to writing and directing, and even earned an Emmy nomination for The Writing on the Wall in 1994. He is now 54-years-old, appeared in the 2022 sequel A Christmas Story Christmas and, according to him, still has all of Ralphie’s costumes, which are sitting in the Raising Cane’s Times Square.
“Todd [Graves, the Raising Canes CEO] and I had dinner after shooting the commercials and I told him that I still had the outfits and BB gun from the movie just sitting in a vault, but wanted an opportunity to share with the public. Todd had a great idea to display them right here at Raising Cane’s Global Flagship in Times Square for everyone to see and enjoy,” Billingsley explained at an event attended by Woman’s World. “It’s great partnering with Todd because he’s such a genuine, kind guy who truly cares about his crew and the community. It’s so special to be back in New York City because I grew up in this city and have many fond memories of riding bikes around here. ow we’re donating 500 to Boys & Girls Club of Harlem–it’s a full circle moment.”
Graves expressed similar sentiments, saying, “Growing up, A Christmas Story was always one of my favorite movies and even today, we still watch it each year as a family. Peter and I have been friends and we had an idea to do this campaign together. It’s been great seeing it all come to life through our window displays, nationwide campaign and plush puppies, which benefit local pet welfare organizations across the country as well as BISSELL Pet Foundation. Peter was excited when we started talking about this campaign because not only is it fun, but there are charitable elements between the plush puppies and the bike giveaways across the country. In total, we’ll be donating 4,000 bikes across nearly 30 markets, totaling $1.5M.”
Melinda Dillon as Mother Parker
Before playing Mother Parker, actress Melinda Dillon was in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and Absence of Malice (1981). After that, she had roles in Harry and the Hendersons (1987), The Prince of Tides (1991) and Magnolia (1999). Dillon died in January of 2023 at age 83, and her on-screen son Billingsley paid tribute to her…