Polly Holliday, 'Alice' actress, dead at 88

Published: Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 3:09 pm

Polly Holliday, "Alice" Star, Dies at 88

Polly Holliday, the actress celebrated for her portrayal of Flo on the popular sitcom "Alice," has passed away at the age of 88. Her talent manager, Dennis Aspland, confirmed her peaceful passing on September 9th.

Born in 1937, Holliday discovered her passion for acting early in life. She began her theatrical journey in the late 1950s while attending the University of Montevallo, where she secured leading roles in plays. Her early career included a summer theater role in North Carolina, which provided her with room, board, and a modest weekly salary.

Holliday moved to New York in the 1970s, securing her first Broadway role in a production directed by Dustin Hoffman. Her breakthrough came in 1976 when she was cast as the sharp-witted waitress Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry in the CBS sitcom "Alice." The role, which included the iconic catchphrase "Kiss my grits," propelled her to stardom. She starred in "Alice" from 1976 to 1980 and later reprised the character in the spin-off series "Flo" for two seasons.

Holliday's performance in "Alice" earned her three Emmy nominations, with another nomination for "Flo." Following her time as Flo, Holliday continued to work in television, appearing in shows such as "Private Benjamin," "The Golden Girls," and "Home Improvement." She also made appearances in films, including "The Parent Trap" and "Mrs. Doubtfire." Holliday once reflected on her career, noting her initial preference for drama but her eventual embrace of comedy, recognizing her aptitude for the genre.

BNN's Perspective: Polly Holliday's career is a testament to the enduring appeal of character-driven comedy. Her portrayal of Flo brought a unique blend of humor and Southern charm to television screens, leaving a lasting impact on audiences. Her ability to transition between television and film, and her willingness to embrace different genres, demonstrates a versatile talent that will be remembered fondly.

Keywords: Polly Holliday, Alice, Flo, actress, death, obituary, sitcom, entertainment news, Emmy nominations, "Kiss my grits", television, film, Broadway, Dustin Hoffman, comedy, Private Benjamin, The Golden Girls, Home Improvement, The Parent Trap, Mrs. Doubtfire

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