Polly Holliday, the beloved actress who brought the unforgettable Flo to life on the sitcom Alice and charmed audiences as Marva in The Parent Trap, passed away at 88 on September 9, 2025, in Manhattan. Her agent, Dennis Aspland, confirmed to The New York Times that her death followed years of health struggles, likely due to pneumonia. Holliday’s vibrant performances and comedic talent left an indelible mark on television, film, and theater. This tribute celebrates her remarkable career and legacy.
Early Life: From Alabama Roots to the Stage
Born in 1937 in Jasper, Alabama, Polly Holliday grew up in a close-knit family with a trucker father and a housewife mother. Her childhood summers riding in her father’s truck shaped her iconic role as Flo. As she shared in a 1980 PEOPLE interview, truck stop waitresses with quick wit and charm inspired her portrayal: “They’d always have a joke ready, making everyone’s day brighter.”
Holliday initially pursued music, earning a piano degree from Alabama State College for Women (now University of Montevallo). After a brief stint as a music teacher, her passion for acting—sparked during college at the Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Center—took over. At 19, she performed as a choir singer and square dancer, earning $40 a week, a humble start to a storied career.
Breaking Out as Flo in Alice
Holliday’s big break came in 1976 with Alice, a sitcom based on Martin Scorsese’s Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Playing Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry, a sassy waitress with a thick Alabama accent, she stole the show with her catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!” Her natural comedic timing and Southern charm earned her three Emmy nominations for Alice and one for the 1980 spin-off Flo. “I didn’t dye my hair for the audition,” she recalled in 1980. “I just pushed my Alabama accent up a bit, and one producer fell off his chair laughing.”
While the series starred Linda Lavin, Flo became a fan favorite, embodying honesty and humor that resonated with audiences. Holliday noted, “Flo helped me fall in love with my roots. She’s so honest I became honest too.”
A Versatile Career in Film, TV, and Theater
Holliday’s talent shone across genres and mediums. She won a Saturn Award for her role in Gremlins (1984) and delighted audiences as Marva Sr. in The Parent Trap (1998) and as a neighbor in Mrs. Doubtfire (1993). On television, she guest-starred as Lily, Rose’s blind sister, on The Golden Girls (1986) and had a recurring role on Home Improvement. In 1982, she joined Private Benjamin as Major Amanda Lee Allen, stepping in after Eileen Brennan’s accident, showcasing her ability to adapt quickly.
Her stage work was equally impressive. After debuting on Broadway in 1974’s All Over Town under Dustin Hoffman’s direction, she earned a Tony nomination for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 1990. “I used to prefer drama,” she told the Tampa Bay Times in 1992, “but comedies kept finding me, and I realized I was good at them.”
A Life Dedicated to Craft
Holliday never married or had children, famously saying, “My work is my life.” Her minimalist lifestyle—once living out of a VW during her repertory theater days—reflected her focus on acting. Her authenticity and versatility made her a standout, whether playing a brassy waitress or a dramatic stage role.
Why Polly Holliday’s Legacy Endures
Polly Holliday’s performances brought joy and authenticity to every role. Her work as Flo remains a cultural touchstone, with “Kiss my grits” still echoing in pop culture. Her ability to connect with audiences through humor and heart ensures her legacy will live on in reruns of Alice, films like The Parent Trap, and the memories of theatergoers.
As fans mourn her passing, they can revisit her iconic roles and celebrate a career that spanned decades. Holliday’s story reminds us of the power of staying true to one’s roots while embracing new challenges—a lesson as timeless as her performances.
