Peter Billingsley
Biography
Peter Billingsley is an American actor, director, and producer born on April 16, 1971, in New York City. Also known as Peter Michaelsen and Peter Billingsley-Michaelsen, he began his career as an infant appearing in television commercials. His acting credits include the role of Ralphie Parker in the 1983 film A Christmas Story, Jack Simmons in The Dirt Bike Kid, and Billy in Death Valley. During the 1980s, he was also known for his portrayal of Messy Marvin in Hershey's chocolate syrup commercials. He is the son of financial advisor Alvin Michaelsen and Gail Billingsley and has four siblings. According to industry records, Billingsley has 52 known credits in his professional career.
Career overview
Peter Billingsley is an American actor, director, and producer who was born on April 16, 1971, in New York City. Also known as Peter Michaelsen and Peter Billingsley-Michaelsen, he began his professional career as an infant appearing in television commercials. Throughout the 1980s, he gained recognition for his role as Messy Marvin in a series of commercials for Hershey's chocolate syrup.
His film acting credits include the role of Ralphie Parker in the 1983 movie A Christmas Story. He also portrayed the character Jack Simmons in The Dirt Bike Kid and appeared as Billy in the film Death Valley. According to his professional records, Billingsley has accumulated 52 known credits throughout his career. He is the son of Alvin Michaelsen, a financial advisor, and Gail Billingsley, and he has four siblings.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
59 titles- Broke (2025) Producer
- A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) as Ralphie Parker
- A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) Producer
- A Christmas Story Christmas (2022) Screenstory
- Christmas with the Campbells (2022) Producer
- Challenger: The Final Flight (2020) as Self - Spokesperson, Young Astronaut Program
- The Opening Act (2020) Producer
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) as William Ginter Riva
- Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché (2018) as Self
- Gamechangers: Dreams of BlizzCon (2018) Producer
- Term Life (2016) Director
- F is for Family (2015) Executive Producer
- A Case of You (2013) as Scott
- Sullivan & Son (2012) Producer
- Sullivan & Son (2012) Director
- Couples Retreat (2009) Director
- Clarkworld (2009) as Self
- Iron Man (2008) as William Ginter Riva
- Iron Man (2008) Executive Producer
- Four Christmases (2008) as Ticket Agent
- Four Christmases (2008) Executive Producer
- I Am 'Iron Man' (2008) as Self
- The Break-Up (2006) as Andrew
- The Break-Up (2006) Executive Producer
- Wild West Comedy Show: 30 Days & 30 Nights - Hollywood to the Heartland (2006) as Self
- Zathura: A Space Adventure (2005) Co-Producer
- Elf (2003) as Ming Ming (uncredited)
- Dinner for Five (2001) Producer
- No Deposit, No Return (2000)
- L.A. Heat (1999)
- Christmas Unwrapped: The History of Christmas (1997) as Ralphie Parker (archive footage)
- Sherman Oaks (1995) as Billy Baker
- Family Reunion: A Relative Nightmare (1995) as Mark McKenna Jr.
- Arcade (1993) as Nick
- Arcade (1993) Post Production Supervisor
- Videozone: The Making of "Arcade" (1993) as Himself
- Beverly Hills Brats (1989) as Scooter
- The Wonder Years (1988) as Micky Spiegel
- Russkies (1987) as Adam
- Carly's Web (1987) as Robert KrantzJr.
- The Last Frontier (1986) as Marty Adamson
- Pecos Bill (1986) as Kevin
- Tall Tales & Legends (1985) as Kevin
- The Dirt Bike Kid (1985) as Jack Simmons
- Highway to Heaven (1984) as Ridley
- Who's the Boss? (1984)
- Punky Brewster (1984) as Richmond Matzie
- WonderWorks (1984) as Arthur Bobowicz
- The Hoboken Chicken Emergency (1984) as Arthur Bobowicz
- A Christmas Story (1983) as Ralphie
- Death Valley (1982) as Billy
- Massarati and the Brain (1982) as Christopher 'The Brain' Massarati
- Memories Never Die (1982) as Shawn Tilford
- Honky Tonk Freeway (1981) as Little Billy
- Paternity (1981) as Tad
- If Ever I See You Again (1978) as Child
- Little House on the Prairie (1974)
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self
- Frontier Executive Producer
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Peter Billingsley best known for?
Peter Billingsley is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Broke (2025), Challenger: The Final Flight (2020), Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), Term Life (2016).
When and where was Peter Billingsley born?
Peter Billingsley was born on April 16, 1971 in New York City, New York, USA.
How many credits does Peter Billingsley have?
Peter Billingsley has accumulated over 59 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1962 to 2025.
What is Peter Billingsley's background in cinema and television?
Peter Billingsley is an American actor, director, and producer born on April 16, 1971, in New York City. Also known as Peter Michaelsen and Peter Billingsley-Michaelsen, he began his career as an infant appearing in television commercials. His acting credits include the role of Ralphie Parker in the 1983 film A Christm...
Peter Billingsley by the numbers
Age in their best-rated roles
- The Wonder Years (1988) as Micky Spiegel — aged about 17
- Little House on the Prairie (1974) — aged about 3
- Iron Man (2008) as William Ginter Riva — aged about 37
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson (1962) as Self — aged about 8
- Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019) as William Ginter Riva — aged about 48
- Highway to Heaven (1984) as Ridley — aged about 13
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