Tedde Moore, the Canadian-born actress best known for her role as Miss Shields in the 1983 film "A Christmas Story," has died at the age of 79. Her family announced her death on Wednesday, stating she died "surrounded by family physically and spiritually." Moore had been battling multiple sclerosis.
In "A Christmas Story," Moore portrayed Ralphie Parker's teacher, a character in the now-classic holiday film directed by Bob Clark. The movie, based on the writings of Jean Shepherd, also starred Peter Billingsley, Melinda Dillon, and Darren McGavin. Moore was nominated for a Genie Award in 1984 for her performance in the film.
Moore reprised her role as Miss Shields in the 1994 sequel, "It Runs in the Family." She also had acting credits in films such as "Overnight," "Rolling Vengeance," and "Taking Care of Terrific" during the 1980s. In the 1990s, her work included TV movies like "The Man in the Attic" and "No Higher Love."
Despite her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis in 2009, Moore continued acting. Some of her later roles included a three-episode appearance in "The Kennedys" in 2011 and a role in the TV film "Mistletoe over Manhattan" the same year. Her final acting credit was in "Her Magical Christmas" in 2017.
Moore was married to the late Canadian director Donald Shebib, known for the 1970 drama "Goin’ Down the Road." Together, they had two children, Suzanna and Noah. She also had a daughter, Zoe, from a previous relationship and raised a foster daughter, Chaunce Drury. Her family noted her role as a teacher extended beyond the screen, remembering her for having "a quote for every occasion and a special way of touching the lives and hearts of everyone she met."