Melinda Dillon

Melinda Dillon

Deceased · Born: Oct 13, 1939 · Died: Jan 9, 2023

Personal Details

BornOct 13, 1939 Hope, Arkansas, USA
Parents
  • E. Norine Barnett
  • W. S. Dillon

Biography

Melinda Dillon's ascent to stardom was marked by her portrayal of Jillian Guiler, a distraught mother whose child is inexplicably taken by extraterrestrial beings in the iconic 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind, directed by the illustrious Steven Spielberg.

This pivotal role not only catapulted Dillon to fame but also garnered her a coveted Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her remarkable acting prowess.

In the years that followed, Dillon continued to impress audiences and critics alike with her nuanced performances, including a standout turn as a devoted Catholic woman in the 1981 drama Absence of Malice.

This latter role earned Dillon yet another Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, a testament to her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters.

Furthermore, Dillon's performance in Absence of Malice won her a prestigious KCFCC Award, a fitting recognition of her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.

Throughout her illustrious career, Melinda Dillon has consistently demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress, delivering memorable performances that have left a lasting impact on the world of cinema.

Career

2007
Reign Over Me
Reign Over Me as Ginger Timpleman
Heartland
Heartland as Janet Jacobs
2005
2004
2003
A Painted House
A Painted House as Gran Chandler
2002
Cowboy Up
Cowboy Up as Rose Braxton
1999
Magnolia
Magnolia as Rose Gator
1997
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas
Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas as Mrs. Parker (archive footage)
1994
Sioux City
Sioux City as Leah Goldman
State of Emergency
State of Emergency as Betty Anderson
1991
The Prince of Tides
The Prince of Tides as Savannah Wingo
Captain America
Captain America as Mrs. Rogers
1989
Staying Together
Staying Together as Eileen McDermott
Nightbreaker
Nightbreaker as Paula Brown
1988
Shattered Innocence
Shattered Innocence as Sharon Anderson
1987
Harry and the Hendersons
Harry and the Hendersons as Nancy Henderson
1986
Shattered Spirits
Shattered Spirits as Joyce Mollencamp
1985
Space
Space as Rachel Mott
1984
Songwriter
Songwriter as Honey Carder
1983
Right of Way
Right of Way as Ruda Dwyer
1981
Fallen Angel
Fallen Angel as Sherry Phillips
Hellinger's Law
Hellinger's Law as Anne Gronouski
Absence of Malice
Absence of Malice as Teresa Perrone
1979
The Muppet Movie
The Muppet Movie as Woman with Balloon
Transplant
Transplant as Ann Hurley
1978
F.I.S.T.
F.I.S.T. as Anna Zarinkas
Slap Shot
Slap Shot as Suzanne Hanrahan
1976
Bound for Glory
Bound for Glory as Mary / Memphis Sue
1969
The April Fools
The April Fools as Leslie Hopkins
1959