Polly Holliday, the beloved actress who brought the sassy waitress Flo Castleberry to life on the hit CBS sitcom “Alice,” died Tuesday, September 9, at her Manhattan home. She was 88 years old and was the last surviving principal cast member of the popular series that ran from 1976 to 1985.
Holliday’s theatrical agent Dennis Aspland confirmed her death, with sources indicating pneumonia as the likely cause after years of health issues. Born in Jasper, Alabama, on July 2, 1937, Holliday transformed from a grade school music teacher into one of television’s most memorable characters through her portrayal of the gum-chewing, beehive-wearing waitress who popularized the catchphrase “Kiss my grits!”
The actress earned three Emmy nominations for her work on “Alice” and won a Golden Globe in 1980. Her character became so popular that CBS gave her a spinoff series called “Flo” in 1980, which ran for two seasons and earned her an additional Emmy nomination for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
Holliday’s path to stardom began at the University of Montevallo, where she studied piano and discovered her passion for theater. She initially worked as a grade school music teacher but was drawn to acting after participating in summer theater productions. Her Broadway debut came in 1974 when Dustin Hoffman directed her in “All Over Town,” which led to her role in “All the President’s Men” in 1976.
The casting director from “All the President’s Men” suggested she audition for “Alice,” a television adaptation of Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore.” Holliday revealed she pushed her normal Alabama accent up a bit during the audition, with one producer reportedly falling off his chair laughing. Though based on Diane Ladd’s film character, Holliday made Flo uniquely her own.
Despite her Southern roots, Holliday was quick to distance herself from the famous catchphrase, telling interviewers that the line was “pure Hollywood” and not a regional saying. However, she identified strongly with the character, describing Flo as a Southern woman seen in many places – not well-educated but very sharp, with humor and resolve not to let life bring her down.
After leaving “Alice” in 1980, Holliday joined the cast of CBS “Private Benjamin” in 1982 when star Eileen Brennan was injured in a car accident. She played Major Amanda Lee Allen, assuring producers she would appear as a guest star rather than Brennan’s replacement. Holliday indicated she hated getting a job at someone else’s expense but didn’t want the show to fold with other jobs at stake.
Her film career included memorable roles as the wicked Mrs. Deagle in “Gremlins” (1984), Gloria Chaney in “Mrs. Doubtfire” (1993), and Marva Kulp Sr. in “The Parent Trap” (1998). She also appeared in television series including “The Golden Girls,” where she played the blind sister to Betty White’s character, and had a recurring role as Tim Allen’s mother-in-law on “Home Improvement.”
Holliday maintained an active theater career throughout her life, earning a Tony Award nomination in 1990 for her performance as Big Mama in a revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” opposite Kathleen Turner. Her Broadway credits included “Arsenic and Old Lace” in 1986 with Jean Stapleton and Abe Vigoda, and a revival of “Picnic” with Kyle Chandler in 1994.
Following news of her death, Hollywood colleagues paid tribute to the actress. “The Parent Trap” director Nancy Meyers noted Holliday’s kindness and described her as wonderful in every moment of the film. Actress Maggie Wheeler, who played Holliday’s assistant in the movie, shared memories of their time together on set, from hanging out in trailers to being covered in chocolate syrup during filming.
Holliday never married and had no children, previously stating that her work was her life. Her career spanned over four decades, during which she received four Golden Globe nominations and four Emmy nominations total. She remained active in both television and theater well into her later years, with her final notable appearances including roles in “Stick It” (2006) and various television guest spots.
The actress was the final surviving member of the original “Alice” cast. Linda Lavin, who played the title character, died in December 2024 at age 87 from complications related to lung cancer. Vic Tayback, who portrayed diner owner Mel Sharples, died in 1990 from a heart attack at 60, while Beth Howland, who played waitress Vera, died in 2015 from lung cancer. Philip McKeon, who played Alice’s son Tommy, died unexpectedly in 2019 at age 55.
Holliday’s childhood summers riding in her trucker father’s vehicle provided inspiration for her most famous role. She recalled eating at truck stops where waitresses like Flo would always have a joke ready, creating an atmosphere where men could make lighthearted remarks that everyone understood as harmless fun designed to brighten everyone’s day.
