Melinda Dillon, a well-known actress, died on January 9 at the age of 83. The Neptune Society confirmed the news. The official Facebook page of Tis the Podcast paid tribute to her by sharing a photo and writing:
“Melinda Dillon, one of the most iconic #Christmas #movie moms of all time, has passed away. She’ll live on in our hearts and minds forever, and it’ll be a small comfort to have her presence for 24 hours straight every holiday season.”
Dillon’s cause of death has not been disclosed, and further details about her funeral are unknown.
Richard Libertini was Melinda Dillon’s husband
Melinda Dillon’s married Richard Libertini in 1963, and the couple had one son, Richard. The couple split up in 1978.
Libertini was also an actor, best known for his Broadway performances as well as his roles in films and television shows. On January 7, 2016, he died of cancer.
He is best known for his role as Frank Walker in the 1985 comedy thriller Fletch. It received positive reviews from critics and grossed around $9 million at the box office after being directed by Michael Ritchie and written by Andrew Bergman. Joe Don Baker, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Chevy Chase, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Tim Matheson also appeared in the film.
Libertini rose to prominence after starring as Nosh in the 1981 action-thriller Sharky’s Machine. The film was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in addition to being a box office success.
Libertini then played the role of the Godfather in the ABC sitcom Soap, which ran for four seasons from September 13, 1977 to April 20, 1981. He also appeared in Lady Liberty, Days of Heaven, Best Friends, Deal of the Century, All of Me, Big Trouble, Animal Behavior, and other films.
Melinda Dillon’s journey in the entertainment industry
Melinda Dillon, who was born on October 13, 1939, began her career on stage before making her film debut with The Cry of Jazz, a short film. She then made her television debut in one episode of the CBS courtroom drama series The Defenders.
Melinda Dillon’s made her film debut in 1969 with The April Fools, following her appearance on the CBS drama series East Side/West Side. She went on to appear in films such as Bound for Glory, Slap Shot, The Muppet Movie, Absence of Malice, Songwriter, Harry and the Hendersons, Captain America, Magnolia, and others.
Melinda Dillon’s most recent appearance was as Janet Jacobs in three episodes of TNT’s medical drama Heartland. Following a negative response from critics and audiences, the show was cancelled after only one season.
Melinda Dillon’s rose to prominence as a result of her roles in television shows such as Bonanza, The Jeffersons, Sara, Freeman, Enigma, The Critical List, Transplant, Marriage Is Alive and Well, The Shadow Box, The Mississippi, The Twilight Zone, Shattered Spirits, and others.