Melinda Dillon
Actress
Known for
Melinda Dillon is a working actress who has rarely been away from the screen for long. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is the entry that tends to open any account of the career. 'Magnolia' is another title that gets mentioned. Drama is where the largest part of the work sits. The career has been split between cinema and television rather than settled in either. She earned a the Academy Award nomination for 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.
Melinda Dillon
Actress
Hope, Arkansas, USA
Oct 13, 1939 – Jan 9, 2023
Age83years
Movies24
Series9
Melinda Dillon is a working actress who has rarely been away from the screen for long. 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' is the entry that tends to open any account of the career. 'Magnolia' is another title that gets mentioned. Drama is where the largest part of the work sits. The career has been split between cinema and television rather than settled in either. She earned a the Academy Award nomination for 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind'.
Movies
Plays Rose Gator
Magnolia
1999
Plays Jillian Guiler
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
1977
Plays Nancy Henderson
Harry and the Hendersons
1987
Plays Woman with Balloon
The Muppet Movie
1979
Plays Mother
A Christmas Story
1983
Plays Merna
To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
1995
Plays Ginger Timpleman
Reign Over Me
2007
Plays Anna Zarinkas
F.I.S.T.
1978
Plays Savannah Wingo
The Prince of Tides
1991
Plays Suzanne Hanrahan
Slap Shot
1977
Plays Nina
Spontaneous Combustion
1989
Plays Mrs. Darling
How to Make an American Quilt
1995
Plays Teresa Perrone
Absence of Malice
1981
Plays Leslie Hopkins
The April Fools
1969
Plays Mrs. Rogers
Captain America
1990
Plays Honey Carder
Songwriter
1984
Plays Mary / Memphis Sue
Bound for Glory
1976
Plays Dottie
Adam & Steve
2005
Plays Leah Goldman
Sioux City
1994
Plays Sister Aloysius
Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story
1996
Plays Rose Braxton
Cowboy Up
2002
Plays Mrs. Lee
Debating Robert Lee
2004
Plays Eileen McDermott
Staying Together
1989
TV Shows
Plays Rachel Mott
Space
1985
Plays Janet Jacobs
Heartland
2007
Plays Dr. Kris Lassiter
The Critical List
1978
Plays (segment "A Little Peace and Quiet")
The Twilight Zone
1985
Plays Violet Loomis
Judging Amy
1999
Plays Gran Chandler
Hallmark Hall of Fame
1951
Plays Jeannie Birch
The Defenders
1961
Plays Cissy Summers
Bonanza
1959
Plays Mrs. Klausner
Picket Fences
1992
Latest Trailers
Watch Trailer
Reign Over Me
Full Filmography 33
Heartland
Janet Jacobs
2007Season 1
Reign Over Me
Ginger Timpleman
2007
Adam & Steve
Dottie
2005
Debating Robert Lee
Mrs. Lee
2004
Hallmark Hall of Fame
Gran Chandler
2002Season 52
Cowboy Up
Rose Braxton
2002
Judging Amy
Violet Loomis
2001Season 3
Magnolia
Rose Gator
1999
The Effects of Magic
Mom
1998
Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Melinda Dillon still alive?
Melinda Dillon passed away on January 9, 2023 at age 83.
What are the most famous roles of Melinda Dillon?
Melinda Dillon is best known for roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Magnolia, A Christmas Story.
How many movies has Melinda Dillon been in?
Over a 64-year career (since 1959), Melinda Dillon has appeared in 24 movies and 9 TV shows.
What was Melinda Dillon's first movie?
The career of Melinda Dillon began with The Cry of Jazz (1959).
What is Melinda Dillon's most recent movie or series?
Melinda Dillon's most recent release is Heartland, which premiered on June 18, 2007.
What TV shows has Melinda Dillon appeared in?
On television, Melinda Dillon has appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, CHiPs.
Melinda Dillon
1939-10-13 · Hope, Arkansas, USA
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.