Polly Holliday from Alice and The Parent Trap Dies at 88

Polly Holliday- an actress most recognizable by her role as the sharp-tongued waitress Flo in the beloved television sitcom, Alice- has died at the age of 88. Holliday died on the 9th of September, 2025 at her home in Manhattan, New York. Holliday's agent, Dennis Aspland, stated to reporters, that she had been in poor health. The final cause of death was pneumonia.

The Alabama Roots of Polly Holliday

Polly Dean Holliday was born in Jasper, Alabama, on July 2, 1937. Having grown up in the South, in the early years she was mainly involved in music, studying piano and working as a schoolteacher. Polly's eventual love of performing naturally took her toward theatre. She worked in repertory companies to develop her craft and eventually made her way to Broadway. All of these experiences combined gave her the stage confidence and timing that would later ultimately make her a television star.

The Role That Changed Her Life

Her big opportunity came in 1976 when she became part of the cast of Alice, a sitcom on CBS based on the film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Holliday portrayed Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry, a brash and funny waitress who, from that moment, became a fan favorite.

Flo was quick with a joke (and in some cases, a punchline) and her memorable catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”, turned Holliday into one of the best known television stars of the late 1970s. Her performance won Holliday two Golden Globe Awards and numerous Emmy Award nominations.

The character was so popular, Holliday received her own spinoff series, Flo in 1980. Though the series only aired for one season, the character is cemented in television history.

Polly’s Second Act in Film and Stage

Holliday's career expanded beyond one role, despite Flo being her most iconic character. She starred in many major films, including Gremlins (1984), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and in the 1998 version of The Parent Trap, as Marva Kulp Sr., the stern summer camp director.

On stage, Holliday had an equally prolific career. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and performed in many of the Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Her training in theatre gave her a flexibility that allowed her to excel in both comedy and drama.

The Private Side of Polly Holliday

Holliday led a relatively private personal life compared to many stars of her era. It is important to note she has never married and has no children, dedicating her life to her work and love and passion for theatre. Holliday's co-stars have said she is considered thoughtful, kind, and was very professional.

While some fans felt Holliday was reflected in her character Flo, Holliday has often pointed out she was more reflective and introverted than the loud and brash persona she presented on screen, but she embraced the joy Flo brought to people's lives and accepted the notoriety in doing so.

The Lasting Impact of Polly Holliday on TV and Film

The death of Polly Holliday represents the end of an era. Holliday was the final surviving member of the core cast from Alice, a series that may have defined late 1970s television, but is still around in reruns and cultural references. 

Her legacy extends beyond one role. Holliday embodied a strong, independent woman on screen when strong, independent women were still difficult to sell in television. Even now, her catchphrase "Kiss my grits!" is in the American pop culture lexicon. 

Fans and actors remember Holliday as an actress who was simultaneously comedic and warm and showed a full depth of character. For younger generations who may know Holliday from The Parent Trap or Mrs. Doubtfire, her work has been lasting cross-generational appeal.

RIP to actress Polly Holliday, who played Mrs. Deagle in Gremlins and Flo in Alice, has passed away at the age of 88.

She also coined the catchphrase "Kiss my grits" and earned two Golden Globes. pic.twitter.com/5wXs5Sjcqo

— LandOfThe80s (@landofthe80s) September 11, 2025

A Farewell to a True Television Icon

Polly Holliday's career proved that you didn't have to be the star to steal the audience's heart. From a small town in Alabama to the Broadway stage and Hollywood sets, she had an impact that will not be lost on history. At 88, she would leave a legacy of laughter, power, and memories.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): ew.com & people.com