A CHRISTMAS STORY Reunion Panel - Steel City Con December 2023

A Christmas Story actors Peter Billingsley, Zach Ward, Ian Petrella, Scott Schwartz, R.D. Robb, and Yano Anaya gave a panel at Steel City Con December 2023 to talk about the film, their experiences, and to answer fan questions.
Peter Billingsley played Ralphie Parker in A Christmas Story and the sequel A Christmas Story Christmas. He is also known for Spider-Man: Far from Home, Sherman Oaks, Punky Brewster, Beverly Hills Brats, and many more.
Zach Ward portrayed Scut Farkus in A Christmas Story and the sequel. He is also known for Freddy vs. Jason, Transformers, Postal, Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Z Nation, Doll House, Deadwood, and many more.
Ian Petrella was Randy Parker in A Christmas Story and the sequel. He’s also known for Once a Hero, Who’s the Boss, Crafty, CHiPs, and more.
Scott Schwartz played Flick in A Christmas Story and the sequel. He’s also known for The Comeback Kids, Rags to Riches, Kidco, The Toy, The Quarantine Bunch, and more.
R.D. Robb was Schwartz in A Christmas Story and the sequel. Other roles include The Brady Bunch Movie, Matilda, The Goldbergs, Little Arliss, Eight Days a Week, and more.
Yano Anaya portrayed Grover Dill in A Christmas Story and the sequel. He was also in Better Off Dead, The Blue Iguana, Sunday Mornings, and more.
This panel was recorded on December 8th, 2023.
To learn more about Steel City Comic Con, visit www.steelcityc...
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#FandomSpotlite #achristmasstory #steelcitycon #achristmasstorychristmas

[@tamaradavis4054]

I always liked the dad’s line, “you used up all the glue ON PURPOSE!”

[@georgewilliams8357]

@tamaradavis4054 "Not a finga"!!!

[@AudiophileTommy]

It’s a MAJOR award ❤

[@silntstl]

Darren McGavin stole the show in that movie. The Fragile line is part of the American lexicon to this day. Talking about the Oldsmobile freezing up again and fighting that furnace reminded me so much of what my grandfather was like in those days. I'm sure many related their fathers the same way.

[@trish7754]

mind power

[@pacificrules]

SHONS OF BISHES, BUMPUSHES!!!

[@sofia7374]

I’m so glad “Randy” was here. He doesn’t do many interviews and he was one of my favorite characters from the movie.

[@Superman_305]

Fun fact: he lives in cleveland ohio and he once worked at the christmas story house as a tour guide.

[@DavidSmith-lp6yt]

I was there. These guys are the best of friends. It was great that all six were there. I was the one who asked the question about their scenes that didn't go well, but still made it in the movie. Peter, Scott, R.D., Zak, Yano and Ian, thank you for being at Steel City Con. This is the BEST Comic Con so far.

[@patrickprendergast9589]

tell us more dave

[@teambeining]

That’s so great for them.

[@Robert-nu4vc]

My girlfriend and I went that weekend. Seeing the Christmas Story cast, the cast of The Lost Boys, and the cast of Scream was a ton of fun! That was a really epic comic con.

[@kurtb8474]

Darren's swearing always got me. Substituting harmless words for what he was supposed to really be saying. Then Jean says "My old man wove a tapestry of profanity that is still hanging out over Lake Michigan." That floors me every time. My father-in-law actually grew up in that part of the country during that time. He was from South Bend. He just loved the film. The line he really liked was "Some men are Catholics and some are Protestants. My dad was an Oldsmobile man."

[@susanmacdonald4288]

I love that inarticulate phrase that he comes out with after the lamp gets broken...the best I can translate is "Gattafinga!"

[@danitempest]

You mongdainnoodle! 😁

[@rustyrelicsfarm2406]

​@@susanmacdonald4288 Not a Finga.

[@gabrielwatson7721]

I loved it when he was swearing at the furnace! Somewhere in there you can hear him reference a "platypus". 😂

[@lynnturman8157]

So glad you talked about Melinda Dillon and why she wasn't in the movie. And so glad Ian first saw her in Close Encounters and not Slapshot.

[@ssherman]

Melinda's topless scene with Paul Newman in slapshot is forever burned into my brain. She was stunning.

[@brettconv83]

Never thought to go see these guys, I’m not much of a convention guy but I can’t overstate how massive this movie was to my childhood. How many Christmas mornings we watched it 24/7

[@marksacher3866]

So many great lines in this movie. If you grew up in the north, this was your childhood. "I can't put my arms down." LOL

[@michaellomeli8096]

Ralphie Has Not Changed. Love Peter Billingsley. Great Great Movie. RIP To Melinda Dillion

[@buckminsterfullerene11]

God I loved this movie so much back in '83 or '84 when I first saw it. And I love it as much today in 2024! Timeless masterpiece

[@louistully1810]

💯

[@maryk77]

Randy had one of the best lines. “I can’t put my arms down!” We repeat this in my family all the time!

[@GNXXRAY]

I saw this in the theater in 1983 while my parents and cousins parents were Christmas shopping. I was 13 years old and immediately asked for a BB gun and got a Crosman 760 air pump rifle. The 24 hour Marathon is AMAZING. My dad passed away in 2021 but we played it every Christmas and it became a family tradition. My mom would roll her eyes every time she walked into the room and we are laughing. She did not understand how we could still laugh at something we have seen 100x.

[@marknlinda1216]

I remember watching this in the 80’s as a 12-13yr old and loving it. That year my grandparents came for Christmas. My Grandpa’s name is Ralph and they called him “Ralphie” as a child. He was so ticked by the movie. I’ll never forget watching it with him.

[@antoniocruz5596]

The old man (Darren McGavin, RIP), will always be Kolchak the Night Stalker to me!

[@JeffSueBell195]

Yes!!!!

[@vipnick191]

I chatted with Yano and Scott on a few Zoom calls. They are genuinely the 2 of nicest guys I have ever met! Scott actually helped me get Peter's autograph a few years back.

[@SaKOTR]

A Christmas Story Christmas is great. I hope they do "A Grand Christmas Story" some time in the future. With them as grandparents around the early 00's with the burst of technology, trying to show their grandkids how to celebrate Christmas like the old days. I feel like 10-20yrs from now Christmas magic will be lost with alot of people.

[@edwinstringer6951]

😊

[@ottis4518]

Your last statement holds true and I hope we're both wrong. I try so hard with my kids of the true meaning and the spirit just isn't fully there.

[@alitlweird]

A Christmas Story Christmas nailed it. Thanks for making it.

[@dustinspencer5691]

Look forward to the movie every Christmas and watch it at least 5 times every year.

[@mikefagan6840]

I remember Peter Billingsley as Messy Marv, Quik commercials and Real People and Scut Farkus from Titus. 😉👍🎄🎅🎄❤

[@wabankik]

...Really!, He Was Messy Marvin from the Quick commercials!, Classic!...

[@mikefagan6840]

@@wabankik He also appeared as a guest host on REAL PEOPLE TV show.

[@dimpleface2163]

Yep...me too

[@CUDA1970Terry]

The entire cast was great. The movie is a National Treasure. Thanks to all of you and the entire crew. Thanks for this panel time. So much info, so much fun.

[@Jason_Phillips3679]

Would have been cool if they were able to show short clips of the scenes that were mentioned.

[@alwaysabeliever108]

The world is a better place because this movie is in it.

[@louistully1810]

💯

[@thomaskemer8109]

🎄🎁☕

[@Chris-qp9bi]

Hear, hear!😅🫂😁👍

[@Gen-X-Memories]

It's good to see all of these guys are still around. So often you see many kid stars just don't transition well into adulthood.

[@shannonlambert8826]

Best Christmas movie ever !!!!! I’m 47 and been watching it since I was young . It’s Christmas Day 2023 and it’s on my tv as I watch this . I’ve watched it 6 times since last night . Can’t get enough of it . I love this movie so much my wife got me the DVD years ago .

[@binko969]

“Randy lay there like a slug, it was his only defense” 😂 awesome, I had to work or idve been there. Thanks for posting!

[@binko969]

Would have loved to have asked Scott Schwartz what it was like to work with the king, Jackie Gleason, how many people alive today can say that? Also Richard Pryor, would have loved to have had a conversation with either or both of them. Comedic genius’ both of them. I mean top of the heap. Who was a bigger star than Gleason for decades. They were both legends

[@carlnoble7895]

Thank You Guys For Being A Huge Part Of My Life As A Child And As A Current Adult @62 Years Of Age!! I Continue To Watch A Christmas Story Each And Every Day!!! Each And Every One Of You Are Like Family!! I Love Each And Every One Of You!! Also Melinda And Davin, I Love You Both Very Much!! I Miss You Davin And Melinda Very Much, Thank You So Much For The Memories!! God Bless Each And Everyone Of You!!

[@Robert-nu4vc]

I was at this Steel City Con last weekend. It was awesome seeing the Christmas Story and Lost Boys actors. My girlfriend and I had a great time and can't wait for the next one.

[@lolbored801]

This movie was a staple in my household growing up. From the late 80's until the mid 2000s when my little brothers started moving out. Now they show the movie to their kids and it's a staple in their households.

[@newlifeforoldshtuff7810]

I seen the “Christmas Story “ in 1983 in theaters. Then when it came out on vhs had to get it as well as dvd. This movie is a classic and a must watch every year. My family loves this movie as well. Thank you.

[@eighties73]

I also saw it in theaters when it came out, I was 10 years old. The next year we taped if off HBO and it became a staple watch for us every Christmas Day.

[@chrisb3976]

This is the kind of cast that I love. Just a group of guys that have been friends for decades getting back together and they havent missed a beat. Christmas Story Christmas is a well done sequel and it makes onions appear.

[@melc2978]

I didn't know there was a reunion panel last December till just now. I've loved this movie till pieces ever since I first saw it as a kid in the 80s. I make sure to watch it at least once or twice a year. It's hands down my favorite Christmas move. Everyone is so perfect in the movie, and I love the time period it's set in. The world cannot have enough feel good movies.

[@mariacabrera2850]

I got to meet the cast (minus Schut) in Hammond, Indiana a couple of weeks ago. They were all so kind, especially Peter who went out of his way to be kind & chat with me.

[@susanmacdonald4288]

It was interesting hearing them talk about the casting process, and how it boiled down to the right chemistry between the kids.

[@krisk4513]

Me and my family watch this loyally every Christmas season and have it on TBS/TNT to see the 24 full hours of it. We love it!

[@williamoleary9330]

You guys are all awesome and made something that will make 100’s of millions of people happy Thank you

[@TheSameoldjoe]

The best attribute of this classic movie is the phenomenal storytelling, and the wonderful characters of Jean Shepard will never be forgotten.

[@deanevangelista6359]

When I was a preteen in 1970-72, I would hear Jean Shepard on the radio when vacationing in NY. He told some great stories.

[@TheSameoldjoe]

@@deanevangelista6359 I listened to his radio broadcast, watched his PBS television show, and read his short stories. Jean Shepard was a superb storyteller.

[@whereisthebalance5732]

They should have gotten keith olbermann to narrate this one

[@christopherbenson9942]

Man this was so great!!!! This movie came out at a perfect time in out childhood....

[@koreancardboard]

Thanks so much for posting all of these interviews from the con. Much appreciated.

[@kathiewool4292]

My dad so loved a Christmas story because it was so like his childhood. I’m sad he didn’t get to see the sequel.

[@jbuelman2025]

This is proof that something so innocuous such as this film was back in 1983, resonates with so many today. I was a Junior in high school and found this gem some years later. It's our yearly must watch with my family. I'd love to have been there for this. Now there's a second film that they are in as older people that's a yearly must watch.

[@heiresskat]

I saw the movie, and it was a surprising homage to the original. My expectations were low, and by the end, I was like, this was great. As a huge fan of the original, I was so happy to see the characters respected.

[@timafiggy]

the new movie was so Awesome. yes tears were Involved. i cried . My old fav line Randy gets pushed in the snow " I CAN"T GET UP! "

[@Superman_305]

Fun fact: ian petrella lives in cleveland ohio and once worked as a tour guide at the christmas story house.

[@cjmacq-vg8um]

Peter Billingsley and Zach Ward still look like they did in the original movie. i saw zach in the 2013 film "in the void" and 2014's "don't blink." he was excellent both those films.

[@job4391]

A Christmas Story Christmas was so great, our family loved it as much as the original.

[@amazingsnow]

Well done nailed the first and the REAL second one with you guys

[@eighties73]

A Christmas Story is by far my favorite Christmas movie and the Christmas Story Christmas is a more than worthy sequel. It's criminal that WB didn't give it a theatrical release but I'll be watching the double feature with my family on Christmas day.

[@ezwages]

what a gift - I'm glad they finally mentioned Shep at the end. He doesn't get enough cred.

[@patanne3680]

The movie made me laugh cheer and cry. The movie was a perfect tribute to Darren McGaven. What a great sequel. Also s great tribute to Melinda.

[@hmsweet5227]

R.D. Robb went to the same day camp I did when we were kids!

[@PhilFry-gj6xq]

Thank you so much for this sit down talk. Long time huge fan. Have re-watched every year for the last 30 years and counting. The famous house is actually only one hour from where I live!

[@mctaguer]

Great event; glad to see it. Thanks!

[@BazookaJoe7565]

I really hope Peter Billingsley and the rest of the cast come to Megacon Orlando sometime😁

[@robertoso8796]

the best part of the movies is the narration. ralphie's worldbuilding was spectacular and laid everything important out in such a perfect way from a kid's POV. i didn't watch it until i was in igh school the first time and i've never celebrated christmas but i had an instant connection to these kids. my favorite thing is the grand mythos that they've built up around dad who worked in profanities the way the masters worked in clay or oils.

[@loltubelvr007]

Great stories! thanks!

[@NipItInTheBud100]

This was a fantastic watch! It was just fun to see these guys laughing and having fun! I loved the split screen that you did! Made it so much more enjoyable to watch!

[@FleosFlicks]

KidCO was one of my favorite movies!

[@debselby1141]

Merry Christmas to Me! Just caught this before starting my Christmas festivities, and I am now complete! 24 hours at my moms during Christmas, uh, Forever, is how it is. I only found "A Christmas Story Christmas" about a month ago, totally by accident! I love it! My dad passed in 2017, and, a day wouldnt go by without some form of tidbit comment from the movie. It is inbedded in my vocabulary. I am 63 and family and millions of others thank you all for this life changing holiday event!

[@vincentschmitt7597]

I watched this yesterday from another uploader. It is worth watching for any fan of the movie. Loaded with great behind the scenes stories.

[@protectandswerve]

So cool to see and hear from them 40 years later. We just went to Cleveland OH and saw the house a few days ago and now I can’t stop watching vids about it and the history. Loved the movie all my life but now re-fell in love with it.

[@sxymike12]

I had a shit Christmas season this year all up until Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which were fantastic and this happened to be on before I went to bed and when I heard his last narration I was like SPOT ON. Great Movie and has the warmth of the other one, it wasn't just a call back, it was a story not perfect or what everyone would want to happen but it was brilliant.

[@slbellue6874]

I’m sorry you had a terrible time this year. I hope 2024 brings you peace and blessings.

[@JulieCaptivatedinFl]

Bob Clark gave us 2 Christmas classics. This one and Black Christmas. So sad to learn about Bob Clark and his son passing in a tragic traffic collision. His work will be a lasting legacy for us all.

[@commanderk3829]

I got to work with Jean Shepherd as PA for these short films (1975ish) that where later incorporated in CS1 and CS2. A very sweet and funny man.

[@emmabauer1906]

It's great to see them all together. Hadn't seen a few of them in different things grown up so it was nice to see them now. Could still tell by their faces who they are. A Christmas Story has always been one of my faves. Wish they would've discussed Darren McGavin more.

[@james7275able]

You're right. They asked about working with Darren and Melinda and they only talked about her but forgot to mention him. Would've been neat to hear some behind the scenes stories about him. RIP to Melinda as well. I didn't know she passed this past January.

[@wilber53]

Loved this...Always wondered about the scene with the Christmas goose getting it's head chopped off, if that was Melinda Dillions acting or her original reaction. Peter answered that question.

[@John_Locke_108]

Defintely going to watch this once I get some free time.

[@loncaselton]

Excellent movie..Christmas classic..watch it every year..

[@hollygolden9673]

Wonderful panel! Would love to see them live. The new movie is excellent!

[@chuckhenson6896]

Love both of these movies

[@krisk4513]

I can’t imagine a better voice narrating the movie - it was his true medium, a master 😊

[@TobaccoRoadAI]

Thank you for sharing

[@andreadeamon6419]

As a clevelander that has been to the house so many times and is my favorite movie of all time - thank you for getting all of the guys together for 1 setting.

[@reginastock5546]

I love the line from the dad when he sees Ralphie in the bunny suit , “ You look like a deranged Easter bunny.” Gets me laughing every time.

[@coolbabe4940]

My husband and I keep the original running for decades now. I worked at a video store back in 1985. We always kept it running on a VCR.People would stop and watch renting movies. We took our dogs to St. Augustine Florida and watched the new movie and ate dinner on the ocean in our condo we rented. Priceless on the original and the reunion movie. We came home and ordered Chinese food on the 40th Anniversary to celebrate and I didn’t have to cook…All was right with the world.

[@Okguy4life]

The leg lamps creator was from chickasha Oklahoma! 50 ft leg lamp there check it out

[@saraine82]

Thanks for uploading!!

[@aliciahavard3268]

I was pregnant with my first born and we had date night. Loved this movie. I have watched this movie with my kids and now grandchildren since . Best Christmas movie ever. Second is Christmas Vacation.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

With 1961’s “KING OF KINGS” in 3RD place.

[@Dee-743]

It is wonderful to see these guys together after all these years. Of course it is one of my most favorite Christmas movies. We have a Ralphie figure who does mischievous things. He is our Ralphie on a shelf. It just proves that wholesome movies are still the favored. I cannot wait to see the new movie.

[@erichirsch583]

Looking great guys!!!

[@joaniezapata2548]

I truly love these guys A Christmas Story is always a movie for me during the holidays it’s a must and when the new one came out it hit home for me personally because I lost my Dad in October so not only do I love the original but the new one is even better, y’all rocked it thank u so much for making such a great film and doing it justice

[@chucksmith465]

One of my favorite scenes from the original movie is one that I only recently noticed. Right after the old man tells Ralphie to get back in the car for saying the “F” word, the old man gives the faintest hint of a smile, like he knows how boys talk and is amused to hear it from his son. Its so subtle and so quick that I missed it for years. I wonder if Darren McGavin was adlibbing or if this was directed. Love both the original and the new movies!

[@DavidDeal-n4r]

LOVE THIS!!!!

[@briandrum1]

No matter what time of the year, I use "sons of bitches Bumpuses" almost on a daily basis. A Christmas Story and a Christmas Story Christmas are both *great* movies. They did a wonderful job with the sequel!

[@timmythomas4273]

The greatest Christmas movie ever

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Right alongside of 1961’s “KING OF KINGS”.

[@lmm1586]

I love this !!

[@mikemckague9506]

So awesome that Peter Billingsley now lives in my home state!!!

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Where’s that?

[@mikemckague9506]

@@LindaCooper-i3f Eagle Idaho!

[@heynowls3058]

Good fun!

[@NordicDan]

I was so happy that the new one held up to the original so well, and the way it ultimately segways into the original was just so seamless and perfect. The original is an absolute classic and a family tradition, now including the new one. My pre teen kids love it too. I even have the full size leg lamp on my antique radio right in the middle of my living room window 😂 So cool to see them together and interacting with each other 40 years later.

[@mickywinters8451]

I watched this movie from after Halloween to Christmas probably 80 times 😂

[@neilsmith9066]

Great Sequel!!! Love for The Old Man!

[@briandd27]

I love the new movie. It definitely made me cry.

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

Interesting.

[@KevboKev]

This was definitely great to watch. Thank you. Panel could have done without Scott Schwartz....pretty annoying.

[@NickyHelp]

I could be mistaken, but if I remember correctly, most or some of the cast in the first movie had a true reunion in the third movie A Christmas Story Christmas (2022).

[@crazy8skml]

I had never seen the movie until the first Marathon. This is the first year that it wasn’t playing non stop. I somehow forgot.

[@MrRobKS]

The new movie was Truley excellent. I loved it

[@JustSomeCanadianGuy]

"You were ALWAYS jealous of this lamp!!!!"

[@cathypeterson4527]

I just wanted to say hi to peter billingsley 😊I love your movie 🍿 I had been to the Christmas house in Ohio

[@Carbabydoll]

One of the best sequels ever made and destroys Christmas Story 2. The real sequel and now this will be part of the classic story that started it all💖💕

[@LinzYoutube]

I would've loved to have been there and met them!!!

[@LindaCooper-i3f]

They need to come to the comic book conventions in either Lexington, Kentucky, let alone Huntington, West Virginia.

[@erikmutthersbough6508]

The wonderful irony of this is. I have a Christmas Story on in the background as they are talking about people watching the 24 hours of A Christmas Story. This is coming from a guy that has worked in film 🤷. On another note, my brother is watching it in Hawaii while I am watching it in Nebraska 😂..