Melinda Dillon - Actor Profile

Melinda Dillon

Acting
Freshness: Jan 21, 2026
42Total Films
7.7 Highest Rated
Born: Oct 13, 1939
Birth Place: Hope, Arkansas, USA

About Melinda Dillon

Melinda Rose Dillon (October 13, 1939 - January 9, 2023) was a twice Oscar nominated American actress. She was best known for her roles in Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Absence of Malice and the holiday classic A Christmas Story.

Career Statistics & Market Influence

Analyzing the cinematic journey of Melinda Dillon reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 42 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.

Genre Dominance: Drama

The majority of Melinda Dillon's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.

The "Box Office" Signature

With a 43% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Melinda Dillon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Magnolia, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.

Best Melinda Dillon Movies Ranked

Must-watch hits from Melinda Dillon's career based on audience ratings.

Complete Filmography & Success Status

Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Melinda Dillon.

YearMovieCharacterSuccessMore
2019 Hal Self (archive footage) Hit Similar →
2007 Reign Over Me Ginger Timpleman Hit Similar →
2005 Adam & Steve Dottie Flop Similar →
2004 Debating Robert Lee Mrs. Lee Average Similar →
2003 A Painted House Gran Chandler Hit Similar →
2002 Cowboy Up Rose Braxton Average Similar →
2001 The Making of 'Close Encounters of the Third Kind' Self Hit Similar →
1999 Magnolia Rose Gator Super Hit Similar →
1998 The Effects of Magic Mom Flop Similar →
1997 Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas Mrs. Parker (archive footage) Flop Similar →
1996 Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story Sister Aloysius Flop Similar →
1995 How to Make an American Quilt Mrs. Darling Average Similar →
1995 To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar Merna Hit Similar →
1995 Naomi & Wynonna: Love Can Build a Bridge Polly Judd Hit Similar →
1994 Sioux City Leah Goldman Flop Similar →
1994 State of Emergency Betty Anderson Flop Similar →
1994 Confessions: Two Faces of Evil Carol Mothershed Flop Similar →
1993 Judgment Day: The John List Story Eleanor Flop Similar →
1991 The Prince of Tides Savannah Wingo Hit Similar →
1990 Captain America Mrs. Rogers Flop Similar →
1990 Spontaneous Combustion Nina Flop Similar →
1989 Staying Together Eileen McDermott Flop Similar →
1989 Nightbreaker Paula Brown Average Similar →
1988 Shattered Innocence Sharon Anderson Hit Similar →
1987 Harry and the Hendersons Nancy Henderson Average Similar →
1986 Shattered Spirits Joyce Mollencamp Flop Similar →
1984 Songwriter Honey Carder Flop Similar →
1983 Right of Way Ruda Dwyer Hit Similar →
1983 A Christmas Story Mother Hit Similar →
1981 Absence of Malice Teresa Perrone Hit Similar →
1981 Hellinger's Law Anne Gronouski Super Hit Similar →
1981 Fallen Angel Sherry Phillips Average Similar →
1980 The Shadow Box Agnes Flop Similar →
1980 Marriage Is Alive and Well Jeannie Flop Similar →
1979 The Muppet Movie Woman with Balloon Hit Similar →
1978 F.I.S.T. Anna Zarinkas Hit Similar →
1977 Close Encounters of the Third Kind Jillian Guiler Hit Similar →
1977 Enigma Dora Herren Flop Similar →
1977 Slap Shot Suzanne Hanrahan Hit Similar →
1976 Bound for Glory Mary / Memphis Sue Hit Similar →
1969 The April Fools Leslie Hopkins Average Similar →
1959 The Cry of Jazz Faye Average Similar →

Melinda Dillon - Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best movie of Melinda Dillon?

According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Melinda Dillon is "Magnolia" with a rating of 7.7/10.

How many movies has Melinda Dillon acted in?

Melinda Dillon has been featured in at least 42 major films throughout their career.

What are some other popular movies by Melinda Dillon?

Other notable films include "Hellinger's Law", "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", and "To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar".