The Canadian-born actress, who battled multiple sclerosis, died on Wednesday “surrounded by family physically and spiritually.”The Canadian-born actress, who battled multiple sclerosis, died on Wednesday “surrounded by family physically and spiritually.”
Tedde Moore – who starred as Miss Shields in “A Christmas Story” – has died. She was 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, adding in their statement, “Forever the teacher, she had a quote for every occasion and a special way of touching the lives and hearts of everyone she met.
“Her magic and love will be remembered by all she took under her generous and welcoming wings.”
Moore’s role in “A Christmas Story” earned her a nomation for a Genie Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1984. Though she didn’t win, the film itself took home the Best Screenplay award. The movie was also named Best Iconic Film in the 2023 Family Film Awards.
In a 2021 video, Moore revealed she still called her co-stars “boys” — 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.”
Her career was not deterred after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
One of her final roles came in the 2011 show “The Kennedys,” where she played Mrs. Shaw.
That 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 201, as she appeared in “Her Magical Christmas.”
The actress was married to the late Canadian director Donald Shebib, 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.
