'A Christmas Story': Here's What Everyone from the Original Cast Looks Like Now

It's pretty hard to believe that A Christmas Story wasn't initially a knockout success. (These days, this classic Christmas movie literally plays on TV every holiday season 😂.) Still more unbelievable is that it's been nearly 40 years since the adorable Ralphie Parker first stole our hearts. Yes, you read that right: Your favorite '80s movies are officially four decades old. You may wonder what Ralphie has been up to since his mission to obtain the coveted Red Rider 200-shot Range Model air rifle. Fans can find out by watching the beloved movie's sequel, A Christmas Story Christmas, which was released on HBO Max last year.

This sequel follows an adult Ralphie, his son, and a few of his pals as he returns to their old stomping grounds. Peter Billingsley, of course, reprised his iconic role and fans will recognize quite a few other familiar faces, as well. There's truly nothing better at Christmastime than wrapping up in a blanket, grabbing a plate of Christmas cookies, and watching the hysterically relatable Parker family. Before you do though, check in with the old cast of A Christmas Story and see how much everyone has changed from then until now.

Then: Peter Billingsley as Ralphie Parker

Can you believe Peter was only 12 years old when the original movie came out? Perhaps more shocking is that A Christmas Story wasn't even his first acting credit! The adorable kid starred in a commercial when he was just seven years old.

Now: Peter Billingsley

Peter is still wearing those classic round glasses as he promotes the sequel to A Christmas Story, where he will reprise his character. After several television and film roles, Peter began to work more behind-the-scenes editing, directing, and producing. Perhaps to distance himself from his child stardom, he has often used the "Peter Michaelsen" in film credits.

Then: Darren McGavin as The Old Man Parker

Ralphie's dad, or "Old Man Parker," was certainly not Darren McGavin's first rodeo. He began as a set painter for Columbia Pictures and went on to have a prolific tv, film, and stage career. On Broadway, McGavin originated roles in My Three Angels and The Rainmaker. The actor was 61 years old when he starred as little Ralphie's grumpy pop!

Now: Darren McGavin

After A Christmas Story, Darren received recognition for his comedic skills when he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy nomination for his work on Murphy Brown. The popular '90s movie Billy Madison, co-starring Adam Sandler, was one of his last major film roles. Sadly, Darren passed away in 2006 at the age of 86.

Then: Melinda Dillon as Mother Parker

You may recognize Melinda Dillon as Mother Parker, but she too had a well-established career before A Christmas Story. In fact, 20 years prior, she'd received a Tony Award nomination for her very first major role in a Broadway production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf. In the years that followed, she was also nominated for two Oscars and a Golden Globe. No wonder we all fell in love with Mother Parker!

Now: Melinda Dillon

After being Ralphie's greatest advocate on his journey to get the Red Rider air rifle, Melinda continued to act in major films and guest star on TV shows. Notable film credits include the Bigfoot comedy Harry and the Hendersons, The Prince of Tides (alongside Barabara Streisand), and Paul Thomas Anderson's psychological drama titled Magnolia.

Then: Ian Petrella as Randy Parker

Much like Peter Billingsley, Ralphie's adorable on-screen brother also started acting at a very early age—three years old! Ian Petrella's aunt worked at a talent agency and had suggested he give it a try. Before A Christmas Story, he had primarily appeared in commercials and television shows.

Now: Ian Petrella

Ian continued acting throughout his teens and eventually found his way into comedy improv. At the age of 17, he was the youngest person ever to audition and be accepted to attend classes at L.A's famous Groundlings Comedy Theater. A true creative at heart, the actor-comic eventually put a pause on acting to pursue puppeteering, animation, and cartooning. As fate would have it, the 20th reunion for A Christmas Story rekindled his love for film, and he soon began his own production company.

Then: Scott Schwartz as Flick

Sweet, sweet Flick. You remember, Ralphie's friend who got his tongue stuck to the pole? While his fellow child stars only had minor acting experience, Scott's big film break happened prior to A Christmas Story. He co-starred with Richard Pryor and Jackie Gleason in 1982's The Toy.

Now: Scott Schwartz

Scott had a pretty normal life in his teen years, though he did attend a prep school for aspiring child actors. Since 1987, he has helped manage a sports and movie memorabilia collectibles store with his father. Most recently, he became the president of a non-profit that lobbies for the protection of young performers in the industry. Lucky for us, he's reprising his role as Flick in the sequel!

Then: R.D. Robb as Schwartz

And next up in Ralphie's gaggle of buddies is Schwartz, played by R.D. Robb. The film was R.D.'s first acting appearance, which makes sense since he was only 11 years old when A Christmas Story premiered!

Now: R.D. Robb

R.D. stayed in the industry after his breakout role and has over 20 acting credits and 10 producer credits. He was featured in other notable family movies, like Matilda and The Brady Bunch Movie. Recently, he guest starred in an episode of The Goldbergs (pictured right). Funny enough, the episode references his success as a child actor in A Christmas Story.

Then: Zack Ward as Scut Farkus

When Zack initially expressed an interest in acting, his mother discouraged it despite being an actress herself. Eventually, his brother intervened, and he was allowed to go out on auditions. A year later, he landed Scut Farcus in A Christmas Story after competing with 300 other kids for the role!

Now: Zack Ward

Thank goodness his mom relented because Zack's career seriously took off after the Christmas classic. He's performed in numerous television series throughout the years, along with roles in films like Almost Famous, Transformers, and Anne of Green Gables. In a completely different direction than A Christmas Story, Ward has also starred in horror flicks such as Resident Evil: Apocalypse and Freddy vs. Jason. Ward co-founded a film production company in 2014, and he's been the CEO Global Sports Financial Exchange, Inc since 2017. The actor is going back to his roots as he reprises his role for the A Christmas Story sequel!

Then: Yano Anaya as Grover Dill

Just like R.D. Robb, Anaya's first acting credit was at age 11 in A Christmas Story. He landed the role of Scut's sidekick, Grover Dill.

Now: Yano Anaya

Yano continued to pursue acting into his teens. Two years after A Christmas Story, Anaya was cast in a minor role in the dark comedy Better Off Dead. He also starred in the late 1980s indie film The Blue Iguana alongside Dylan McDermott and Dean Stockwell. Later in life, the actor turned his focus to health and wellness as "a Body Transformation Expert, and Exercise Science Educator."

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