A Christmas Story actress Tedde Moore dies aged 79

Tedde Moore, best known for her role as Ralphie Parker's teacher Miss Shields in the 1983 A Christmas Story, has died aged 79.

The actress died on August 5 in Huntsville, Ontario, according to a statement shared by her family on social media.

"On Wednesday, August 5, under sunny skies overlooking Fairy Lake, Tedde passed away surrounded by family physically and spiritually in her beloved Huntsville Muskoka," the statement read.

"Her bravery in this choice was almost overwhelming, beyond beautiful and also difficult.

"Forever the teacher, she has 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 was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2009, according to The Independent, but a cause of death was not revealed.

Born Dorothea Mavor Moore on April 11 1947, in Toronto, Canada, she was part of a showbiz family that included her actor father Mavor Moore and grandmother Dora Mavor Moore, a pioneer in Canadian theatre.

She graduated from London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1967 and then starred in a Canadian stage production of A Midsummer Night's Dream opposite Christopher Walken.

Moore is survived by four children. Her husband, Canadian film and television director Donald Shebib, died at the age of 86 in 2023. The couple had two children together, Suzanne and Noah, both child actors.

Noah, now a music producer known by the name 40, has produced several of Drake's biggest hits.