A Christmas Story almost cast this A-lister as Ralphie’s dad

A Christmas Story is a beloved holiday movie. The 1983 classic tells the story of young Ralphie Parker, who wants a Red Ryder BB gun for Christmas.

Peter Billingsley starred as the precocious youngster, while Melinda Dillon and Darren McGavin played Ralphie’s parents. The cast was perfect in their roles and one of the reasons the film is still popular 40 years later.

However, if an A-list actor had gotten his way, the movie’s dynamic would’ve been different.

Jack Nicholson was almost cast in A Christmas Story

It’s hard to imagine anyone but McGavin as Ralphie’s dad. The Kolchak: The Night Stalker star excelled in his role as the profanity-laced, leg lamp-loving father, who comes through for his son.

But before casting McGavin, another actor was in contention for the part. According to IMDB, Academy Award winner Jack Nicholson was approached about playing Ralphie’s father. The Shining star was interested in the role but lost out with his contract demand for a higher salary.

With Nicholson out, McGavin was later cast and the rest as they say is history.

Although McGavin had many film roles to his credit, he’ll always be fondly remembered as The Old Man. Sadly, he passed away in 2006 at the age of 83.

In 2022, the film’s sequel A Christmas Story Christmas was released on HBO Max. The premise follows a grown-up Ralphie, who returns home for the holidays after his father’s death. Ralphie then steps into The Old Man’s role as he tries to make Christmas special for his family.

The sequel was a loving tribute to McGavin and his character. In an interview with People, Billingsley reflected on his onscreen dad.

"“Darren was the best. He was such a gifted actor and a great person and such a mentor to me in the shooting of the first film and was kind of like having (another) dad.”"

Fans can see Ralphie, The Old Man, and the rest of the A Christmas Story gang when TBS runs their annual 24 hour marathon.