‘A Christmas Story’ Cast Then and Now—Where Ralphie, Mom and Dad Are 42 Years Later

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. 

“So very sad to hear of Melinda Dillon’s passing.  Working with her on A Christmas Story was such a privilege. She was kind, supportive, cool, thoughtful, giving and committed. Her body of work demonstrated her incredible range and talent,” he wrote on Instagram. “I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to call her my on-screen mother. Rest in peace, Melinda.” 

Darren McGavin as The Old Man Parker

Ralphie’s dad was played by Darren McGavin, an actor who was in Airport ’77 (1977) and Hot Lead and Cold Feet (1978). After that film, McGavin was in The Natural (1984), Raw Deal (1986), Murphy Brown (1989 to 1992) and Billy Madison (1995). Next to A Christmas Story, he’s probably best known as reporter Carl Kolchak in The Night Stalker. He died in 2006 at 83, but was called out in the 2022 sequel film A Christmas Story Christmas. 

McGavin was survived by his four children. 

Ian Petrella as Randy Parker

Ian Petrella was just eight-years-old when he was cast as Ralphie’s brother Randy in A Christmas Story. Following the film, he acted here and there but decided to focus his talents on puppetry instead. He did appear in A Christmas Story Christmas and sometimes gives talks centered around the films.