‘A Christmas Story’ actress Tedde Moore dead at 79

Tedde Moore – who starred as Miss Shields in “A Christmas Story” – has died at the age of 79. 

The Canadian-born actress, who battled multiple sclerosis, died on Wednesday in Huntsville, Muskoka, “surrounded by family physically and spiritually,” a statement shared on her Facebook page said.

Moore’s cause of death hasn’t been revealed.

“Her bravery in this choice was almost overwhelming, beyond beautiful and also difficult,” her family said.

The actress was known for her role as Ralphie Parker’s teacher in the Bob Clark-directed movie, which featured Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin.

Moore’s family paid homage to her role in the movie, which won a Genie Award in 1984 in the best screenplay category. The movie was named Best Iconic Film in the 2023 Family Film Awards.

“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 statement said.

“Her magic and love will be remembered by all she took under her generous and welcoming wings.”

Moore was also nominated for a Genie Award in 1984 for her role in “A Christmas Story.”

She revealed she still called her co-stars “boys” in a video from January 2021, almost 40 years after the movie’s release.

“I just wanted to tell you how much it has meant to me to be part of the Christmas Story family,” she said in a YouTube video.

“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.

“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 reprised her role as Miss Shields in the 1994 flick, “It Runs in the Family” – a sequel to “A Christmas Story.”

Ralphie was played by Kieran Culkin – who played Fuller in the classic Christmas movies “Home Alone” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

Moore also has acting credits for roles in “Overnight,” “Rolling Vengeance,” “Taking Care of Terrific,” and “T and T” during the 1980s, according to her IMDB.

In the 1990s, she starred in the TV movies “The Man in the Attic,” “The Deliverance of Elaine,” and “No Higher Love.”

Moore was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, according to the Hollywood Reporter, but continued to appear on-screen.

One of her final roles came in The Kennedys where she starred in three episodes in 2011, playing Mrs. Shaw. 

In the same year, she appeared alongside former model Tricia Helfer in the John Bradshaw-directed TV festive flick “Mistletoe over Manhattan,” playing Rebecca Claus.

Moore’s final acting credit came in 2017, appearing in “Her Magical Christmas.”

The actress was married to the late Canadian director Donald Shebib, who was known for the 1970 drama movie “Goin’ Down the Road.”

Moore and Shebib had two children – former child stars Suzanna and Noah.

She had a daughter Zoe from a previous romance with the actor Patrick Christopher Carter. Moore also raised a foster daughter Chaunce Drury.