Polly Holiday, the beloved actress best known for her iconic role as Flo Castleberry on the hit sitcom “Alice,” passed away at the age of 88 on September 9, 2025.

Her journey from a small-town girl in Alabama to a television icon is a testament to her talent, determination, and the indelible mark she left on American pop culture.

Known for her sharp wit and memorable catchphrase, “Kiss my grits,” Holiday’s legacy extends far beyond her time on “Alice,” revealing a multifaceted career filled with both triumphs and challenges.

Born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Polly Dean Holiday grew up in a modest household where her father worked with his hands and her mother maintained the family’s southern traditions.

Despite the simplicity of her upbringing, Holiday harbored dreams of a life beyond her small town.

She found solace in music, mastering the piano and pursuing education at Alabama College for Women and later Florida State University.

Initially, she followed a conventional path by becoming a music teacher, but her heart longed for the stage.

In the 1960s, Holiday took her first steps into the world of acting by joining the Aolo Repertory Theater in Sarasota, Florida.

Touring small towns and performing in various plays, she honed her craft, learning the ropes of live performance.

Although the pay was meager and the lifestyle demanding, each role solidified her passion for acting.

At the age of 30, she made a bold decision to leave her teaching career behind and pursue acting full-time—a choice that was both daring and unconventional for women of her generation.

The 1970s proved to be a pivotal decade for Holiday. After years of hard work and perseverance, she began to gain recognition in the theater scene, eventually landing a role in the 1976 film “All the President’s Men.”

This small part caught the attention of television producers, leading her to the role that would change her life forever: Flo Castleberry on “Alice.”

“Alice,” which aired from 1976 to 1985, followed the life of Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother working at Mel’s Diner in Phoenix.

While Alice was the heart of the show, it was Flo, with her bold personality and Southern charm, who captured the audience’s affection.

Holiday’s portrayal of Flo brought humor and grit to the series, making her a standout character.

Her catchphrase, “Kiss my grits,” became a cultural phenomenon, earning her critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe Award and an Emmy nomination.

However, by the fourth season of “Alice,” Holiday made the surprising decision to leave the show.

Her departure marked a significant turning point for the series, as Flo was one of its most beloved characters.

In her final episode, which aired on February 24, 1980, Flo announced her decision to leave Mel’s Diner for a new job as chief hostess at an upscale restaurant in Houston.

The emotional farewell was filled with warmth and sentiment, highlighting the strong bonds she had formed with her fellow characters.

Following her exit from “Alice,” CBS recognized the popularity of Flo and offered Holiday her own spin-off series titled “Flo,” which premiered on March 24, 1980.

The show followed Flo as she opened a roadhouse in her hometown of Cow Town, Texas.

While it debuted to high expectations and a built-in audience, “Flo” struggled to maintain its momentum, ultimately being canceled after just 29 episodes.

Despite the cancellation of “Flo,” Holiday’s career continued. She took on various roles in television and film, including a part in CBS’s “Private Benjamin” and a tough prison guard in the sitcom adaptation of “Stir Crazy.

” However, these projects did not achieve the same level of success as her earlier work, leaving her to navigate the unpredictable landscape of Hollywood.

In the mid-1980s, Holiday reinvented herself as a character actress in film, showcasing her versatility in roles that highlighted her biting humor and commanding presence.

She gained renewed recognition for her portrayal of Mrs. Deagle in the 1984 film “Gremlins,” a cruel and miserly character whose fate delighted audiences.

She continued to appear in memorable roles, including a nosy neighbor in “Mrs.Doubtfire” and various maternal figures in films like “The Parent Trap” and “Home Improvement.”

Beyond her work in television and film, Holiday found fulfillment on stage.

She returned to Broadway, where she delivered captivating performances in productions such as “Arsenic and Old Lace” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” earning a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Big Mama.

Her ability to embody complex characters resonated with audiences and critics alike.

Throughout her career, Holiday also dedicated time to mentoring younger actors.

She offered guest lectures and participated in acting workshops, sharing the hard-earned lessons of her journey in an industry that can be unforgiving.

Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers reflected her belief in the importance of integrity and authenticity in the arts.

In her later years, Polly Holiday embraced a quieter life, rooted in community and faith.

She sang in the choir at Grace Church in Greenwich Village and supported local music programs, demonstrating her enduring love for the arts.

Despite her fame, she remained humble and grounded, recognizing that true character endures beyond the spotlight.

Polly Holiday passed away on September 9, 2025, due to complications related to pneumonia.

Her death marked the end of an era, as she was the last surviving principal member of the original “Alice” ensemble.

Friends, co-stars, and fans remembered her fondly, celebrating the warmth and humor she brought to her roles.

Holiday’s legacy is woven with contradictions—forever tied to the character of Flo, yet fiercely independent in her pursuit of a diverse career.

While she once distanced herself from the catchphrase “Kiss my grits,” she never denied the bond she felt with Flo’s spirit.

Her impact extended far beyond television, leaving a trail of performances that showcased her range and depth as an actress.

In the end, Polly Holiday’s story is not just about a Southern girl who found fame but about a woman who navigated the twists and turns of life with resilience and grace.

The character she brought to life will continue to resonate with audiences through reruns and fond memories, reminding us of the power of humor, strength, and the enduring spirit of a beloved performer.

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