Tedde Moore, the actress best known for her portrayal of Miss Shields in the holiday staple A Christmas Story, has died at age 79. Her death occurred on August 5 in Huntsville, Ontario. Her family confirmed the news through a tribute on her Facebook page, stating that she passed while surrounded by loved ones.
Born to a family of theater professionals, Moore attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and earned the Principal's Medal of Honor in 1967. Her career included numerous television and film roles throughout the following decades. She appeared in projects such as Murder by Decree, The Littlest Hobo, and the political drama The Kennedys.
Her most recognizable work remains the 1983 comedy A Christmas Story, directed by Bob Clark. Moore played the pragmatic schoolteacher who famously warned Ralphie Parker that he could shoot his eye out if he received a BB gun for Christmas. She was the only cast member from the original film to reprise her role in the 1994 sequel, My Summer Story.
Moore remained active in the industry well into the 2010s, with her final screen performance in the 2017 Hallmark production Magical Christmas Ornaments. Beyond her film work, those who knew her remembered her for her ability to connect with others and her penchant for sharing quotes that matched the moment. She leaves behind a legacy of work that spans several generations of television and film audiences.