When it was released in 1983, 'A Christmas Story' was only a modest success. However, over the years, constant television airings of the movie during the holiday season has made Ralphie Parker and the gang almost as synonymous with Christmas as the characters in 'It's a Wonderful Life.'

Although they remain ageless on the small screen, the kids from Hohman, Indiana are now middle-aged men in real life. See what they are up to below.

Peter Billingsley, Ralphie

Peter Billingsly
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/ Frederick H. Brown, Getty Images
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Then: Peter Billingsley played Ralphie Parker, 'A Christmas Story''s Red Ryder BB gun-pining protagonist.

Now: Although Billingsley, 40, still occasionally acts, he is best known for his behind-the-camera collaborations with his good buddies Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau. He recently directed the pair in 'Couples Retreat," and produced such movies as 'Iron Man' and 'The Break Up.' And he has yet to shoot his eye out with any BB guns.

Scott Schwartz, Flick

Scott Schwartz
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Jason Merritt, Getty Images
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Then: Scott Schwartz played Flick, who was goaded into licking a frozen flag poll in 'A Christmas Story''s most memorable scene. He also starred in 'The Toy,' as a spoiled rich kid who keeps Richard Pryor as his personal manservant. The '80s were a different time, folks.

Now: Schwartz, 43, managed adult film actors for a while, even starring in the unfortunately-titled ''Scotty's X-Rated Adventure.' These days he appears in the odd direct-to-video movie and works at his father's business, Baseball Cards & Movie Collectables Etc. in Westlake Village, California.

Ian Petrella, Randy

ian petrella
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Facebook
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Then: Ian Petrella played Ralphie's little brother, Randy.

Now: Petrella, 37, become a puppeteer and an animator after his career as a child actor.  He's also served as a special tour guide for The Christmas Story House and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio.

R.D. Robb, Schwartz

R.D. Robb
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
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Then: R.D. Robb's role as Schwartz, one of Ralphie's friends in 'A Christmas Story,' was his acting debut.

Now: After a spotty acting career Robb, 39, turned to producing. He also directed Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Connolly and Tobey Maguire in the 1995 short film 'Don's Plum,' which DiCaprio and Maguire sued to prevent the release of in North America.

Yano Anaya, Grover Dill

MGM/MySpace
MGM/MySpace
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Then: Yano Anaya played Grover Dill, sidekick to school yard bully Scut Farcus, and tormentor of Ralphie in 'A Christmas Story.'

Now: Anaya also had a memorable role as the paperboy in 'Better Off Dead,' but quit acting soon after that. In 2010, he was working at Cupcakes and Milkshakes, a bakery and milkshake bar in Bethel, Connecticut. No word on whether he still shakes down customers for his "two dollars."

Zack Ward, Scut Farkus

Zach Ward
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Toby Canham
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Then: Zack Ward was the notorious bully Scut Farkus in 'A Christmas Story.'

Now: If you recognized Ward's less scrunched up mug, it's because the 41-year-old has consistently been appearing in movies and TV shows since his debut in 'A Christmas Story.' In fact, the Canadian-born actor had 11 acting credits -- including shows such as 'Hawaii Five-O' and 'The Mentalist -- in 2011 alone.

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