Peter Billingsley (born April 16 1971), also known as Peter Michaelsen and Peter Billingsley-Michaelsen, is an American actor, director, and producer known for his role as Ralphie in the 1983 movie A Christmas Story.
Peter Billingsley has been a member of the Hollywood community since he was a small child, achieving success and accolades both behind the scenes and in front of camera. The highly successful child actor turned producer received an Emmy Award nomination in 2005 as co-executive producer on the critically acclaimed Independent Film Channel show Dinner for Five, with Jon Favreau. He also served as executive producer on the hit summer film The Break-Up and recently wrapped production on Marvel Comics feature film Iron Man, directed by Jon Favreau. Billingsley also served as co-producer on the Artisan Entertainment classic Made, starring Jon Favreau and Vince Vaughn, as well as Sony's recent science fiction release Zathura, directed by Favreau. Billingsley recently became a principle in Wild West Picture Show Productions. The production company, founded by Vince Vaughn, currently has a first look production deal with Universal Studios. Growing up in the public eye, Billingsley began his acting career at the age of three in some of the '70s most memorable television commercials. After appearing on numerous television shows and films during his youth, the Emmy Award nominated actor delivered a performance for the ages in the beloved holiday film A Christmas Story. Playing humorist Jean Shephard's youthful alter-ego Ralphie, Billingsley's repeated requests in the film for a genuine Red Ryder B-B gun quickly catapulted the actor to instant stardom and has since driven the film into pop culture lore as the classic modern day Christmas tale. Born in New York City, Billingsley currently resides in Los Angeles.