‘A Christmas Story’ actress Tedde Moore, beloved by generations of fans for playing Ralphie Parker’s teacher Miss Shields, has died. She was 79.
The Canadian-born actress died Wednesday in Huntsville, Muskoka, while “surrounded by family physically and spiritually,” according to a statement shared on her Facebook page.
Moore had been living with multiple sclerosis for years.
“Her bravery in this choice was almost overwhelming, beyond beautiful and also difficult,” her family said while announcing her death.
Moore became a familiar face to millions of holiday movie fans after starring as Miss Shields in the 1983 Christmas classic “A Christmas Story.”
Directed by Bob Clark, the movie starred Peter Billingsley as Ralphie alongside Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin and went on to become one of the most enduring holiday films in American pop culture.
Moore’s family paid tribute to the actress’ famous role as a teacher while remembering the impact she had off-screen.
“Forever the teacher, she had a quote for every occasion and a special way of touching the lives and hearts of everyone she met,” the family said.
“Her magic and love will be remembered by all she took under her generous and welcoming wings.”
Moore’s performance in “A Christmas Story” earned her a nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the 1984 Genie Awards. Although she did not take home the trophy, the movie won the award for Best Screenplay.
Decades later, the Christmas favorite was still receiving recognition, taking home the Best Iconic Film honor at the 2023 Family Film Awards.
Moore also remained deeply connected to the cast long after cameras stopped rolling.
In a 2021 video, she revealed that nearly four decades after making the movie, she still affectionately referred to her younger co-stars as “the boys.”
“I just wanted to tell you how much it has meant to me to be part of the ‘Christmas Story’ family,” Moore said.
She credited director Bob Clark and writer Jean Shepherd with creating the special atmosphere that helped turn the movie into a lasting classic.
“None of us would be here today if it weren’t for the gigantic heart of Bob Clark and who had the very good sense to recognize the cinematic quality of the extraordinary heartfelt writing of Jean Shepherd,” she said.
“The fact that the boys and I, and yes I still call them the boys, are still friends after nearly 40 years, still family, has everything to do with heart, because that’s how Bob chose his actors.”
Moore later returned as Miss Shields in the 1994 movie “It Runs in the Family,” also known as “My Summer Story,” a follow-up to “A Christmas Story.”
Kieran Culkin played Ralphie in that installment. Culkin had previously appeared as Fuller in the holiday classics “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”
Moore’s career extended far beyond the role that made her a Christmas favorite.
During the 1980s, she appeared in productions including “Overnight,” “Rolling Vengeance,” “Taking Care of Terrific” and “T and T.”
Her work continued throughout the 1990s with appearances in TV movies such as “The Man in the Attic,” “The Deliverance of Elaine” and “No Higher Love.”
Moore was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, but the illness did not immediately bring her acting career to an end.
One of her later roles came in the 2011 miniseries “The Kennedys,” where she played Mrs. Shaw.
That same year, she appeared opposite Tricia Helfer in the John Bradshaw-directed holiday movie “Mistletoe Over Manhattan,” playing Rebecca Claus.
Moore continued acting until 2017, when she appeared as Daisy in the Hallmark movie “Magical Christmas Ornaments.”
Away from the screen, Moore was married to late Canadian filmmaker Donald Shebib, best known for directing the acclaimed 1970 drama “Goin’ Down the Road.”
The couple shared two children, Suzanna and Noah, both of whom worked as child actors.
Moore also had a daughter, Zoe, from a previous relationship with actor Patrick Christopher Carter, and she raised a foster daughter, Chaunce Drury.
For fans who grew up watching “A Christmas Story” every holiday season, however, Moore will forever be remembered as Miss Shields — the teacher who became part of one of the most beloved Christmas movies ever made.