Melinda Dillon was an acclaimed American actress with an estimated net worth of $3 million, earned through a distinguished career in film, television, and theater. Known for her emotionally grounded performances, Dillon received multiple major award nominations, including two Academy Award nominations, and appeared in several iconic Hollywood films.
| Melinda Dillon Net Worth | $3 Million |
| Date of Birth | October 13, 1939 |
| Place of Birth | Hope, Arkansas |
Early Life
Melinda Dillon was born in October 13, 1939 in Hope, Arkansas. She developed an interest in acting at an early age and later trained for the stage, building a strong theatrical foundation that would shape her career. Early in her life, Dillon focused heavily on live performance before transitioning to film and television.
Broadway
Dillon began her professional career on stage and gained critical recognition in 1963 when she starred in the original Broadway production of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. Her performance earned her a Tony Award nomination, marking her as a rising talent in American theater.
This early success opened the door to film opportunities and established her reputation as a serious dramatic actress.
Film Breakthrough
Melinda Dillon’s film breakthrough came in 1976 when she starred as Mary in Bound for Glory. Her performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year – Actress.
She followed this with one of her most memorable roles as Jillian Guiler in Steven Spielberg’s 1977 science-fiction classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. The role earned her an Academy Award nomination as well as a Saturn Award nomination, cementing her place in Hollywood.
Award Nominations
Dillon continued to deliver standout performances throughout the late 1970s and 1980s. In 1981, she received her second Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Teresa in Absence of Malice.
She later starred as Nancy Henderson in the family favorite Harry and the Hendersons (1987), earning a Saturn Award nomination for Best Actress.
In 1999, Dillon appeared as Rose Gator in the ensemble drama Magnolia, which earned her a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.
Television Work
In addition to her film career, Melinda Dillon appeared in television movies and miniseries. She received a CableACE Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or Movie for State of Emergency.
Her other notable film credits include:
- F.I.S.T.
- A Christmas Story
- The Prince of Tides
These roles helped sustain her career across multiple decades.
Personal Life
Melinda Dillon was married to actor Richard Libertini from 1963 to 1978. Despite her public career, she maintained a relatively private personal life and focused primarily on her work as an actress.
Melinda Dillon Net Worth
Melinda Dillon net worth was estimated at $3 million.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
