Polly Holliday, the actress best known for her unforgettable role as Flo on the classic sitcom "Alice," has passed away at the age of 88. News of her death, confirmed by her talent manager Dennis Aspland, has saddened fans and colleagues alike. Holliday died peacefully at her home in Manhattan on September 9th after battling health issues for several years.
A Star is Born: From Alabama to Broadway
Born in Jasper, Alabama, in 1937, Holliday's passion for acting ignited early. She honed her skills at the University of Montevallo, where she starred in productions like "The Lady's Not for Burning" and "Medea." She later moved to New York City in the 1970s, securing her first Broadway role in Dustin Hoffman's "All Over Town."
Flo: The Sassy Waitress We All Loved
Holliday's big break came in 1976 when she landed the role of Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry on "Alice." Her portrayal of the sassy, quick-witted waitress resonated with audiences, and her catchphrase, "Kiss my grits," became a national sensation. She starred in "Alice" from 1976 to 1980 and even led her own spin-off series, "Flo," for two seasons.
Beyond "Alice," Holliday enjoyed a successful career in film and television, appearing in popular movies such as "The Parent Trap," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "Gremlins," and also had roles in hit shows like "The Golden Girls" and "Home Improvement". Her talent and versatility shone through in every role she undertook.
Holliday will be remembered for her infectious humor, her undeniable talent, and the iconic character she brought to life. Her contribution to entertainment will continue to delight audiences for generations to come. She once told PEOPLE in 1980, that her role as Flo was inspired by her childhood summers traveling in a truck with her father, where she would meet waitresses with a joke ready, and she channeled that in her role as Flo.