Polly Holliday, the celebrated actress best known for her role as the saucy waitress “Flo” on the sitcom Alice, has died at the age of 88. Her agent and longtime friend, Dennis Aspland, confirmed that she passed away at her home in Manhattan.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Born July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Polly Holliday grew up in a modest household; her mother was a homemaker and her father a truck driver. She initially pursued a path in education, studying at Florida State University and later teaching before deciding to follow her passion for acting. Her start was in regional theater, before she transitioned into television and film.
“Flo” and Alice
Holliday’s breakthrough came in 1976 when she joined the cast of Alice as Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry, a bold and witty waitress working in Mel’s Diner. Her character quickly resonated with audiences, in part due to her sharp tongue and signature line “Kiss my grits!”, which became an iconic catchphrase of the era.
Her popularity was so strong that in 1980 she was given her own spin-off show, Flo. Although the series lasted only a short time (about one season), it underscored how beloved the character had become.
Other Notable Work
Although “Flo” was her most prominent role, Holliday’s career was varied and spanned many genres. She appeared in films such as Gremlins, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Parent Trap. She also made guest appearances in popular television shows like The Golden Girls and Home Improvement. Beyond screen work, Holliday had a distinguished theater career, including a Tony Award nomination for her performance in a 1990 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Legacy and Passing
Polly Holliday’s passing marks the end of an era—she was the last surviving core cast member of Alice. The show ran from 1976 to 1985 and left a deep imprint on American pop culture, with Flo’s character among its most memorable.
Her contributions to television, film, and theater were widely recognized: she received multiple nominations for both Emmy and Golden Globe Awards during her long career. Her portrayal of Flo did more than entertain—it offered a spirited female character who spoke her mind, with humor and charm.
Conclusion
Polly Holliday’s death on September 9, 2025, in Manhattan ends a storied career that brought laughter, sharp wit, and genuine personality to countless fans over decades. She will be remembered not only for Flo’s sass and humor but also for her wider body of work, her theater achievements, and her ability to inhabit roles with warmth and strength. Though she is gone, her legacy endures in the lines, the laughs, and the characters she brought to life.
