Legendary actress, Melinda Dillon, best known for her roles in the holiday classic A Christmas Story and science fiction masterpiece Close Encounters of the Third Kind, has passed away at the age of 83.

Dillon began her career in the 1960s, appearing in a variety of Broadway plays and television series. She then rose to fame with her portrayal of the mother in A Christmas Story, and later earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Her career was marked by a number of other notable roles in films such as Harry and Tonto, F.I.S.T., and The Fox and the Hound. She also appeared in a variety of television series, most notably in the sitcoms The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Cheers.

Dillon’s death was confirmed by her family, who released a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and aunt, Melinda Dillon. She was an extraordinary woman with a tremendous spirit and a great love of life. Her legacy will live on in our hearts forever.”

The family also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received from friends and fans.

Dillon’s passing is a great loss to the entertainment industry, and her memory will live on in the hearts of those who were touched by her work.