Remembering Polly Holliday: The unforgettable star behind Flo from Alice
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If you’ve ever shouted “Kiss my grits!” at the TV—or chuckled as someone else did—Polly Holliday is likely the reason why.
The actress, known for her sharp-tongued Southern waitress character Flo on the hit sitcom Alice, passed away at the age of 88 in New York.
Her legacy spans decades of stage and screen work, but for many, she will always be remembered for that unforgettable voice, red uniform, and unbeatable attitude behind the counter at Mel's Diner.
For those who grew up watching 1970s and ’80s television, her passing closes a chapter on one of the medium’s most beloved eras.
But the laughter she inspired and the strong women she portrayed continue to resonate today.
Born in Alabama, Polly Holliday brought her Southern roots into nearly every role.
Though she distanced herself from Flo’s famous catchphrase—saying it was invented by Hollywood writers—her portrayal captured the humor and resilience many viewers recognized from real life.
She once described Flo as “a Southern woman you see in a lot of places. Not well educated, but very sharp, with a sense of humor and a resolve not to let life get her down.”
That description struck a chord with audiences who saw in Flo a mix of sass, struggle, and strength.
Before she became a TV fixture, Holliday built a strong foundation on the stage.
Her Broadway performances included All Over Town (directed by Dustin Hoffman), Arsenic and Old Lace with Jean Stapleton and Abe Vigoda, and a Tony-nominated role in the 1990 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Kathleen Turner.
She later appeared in Picnic alongside Kyle Chandler in 1994.
But it was her role on Alice, which aired from 1976 to 1985, that brought her nationwide fame.
Her popularity led to the 1980 spin-off Flo, which earned her an additional Emmy nomination even though the show ran for just one season.
Holliday’s sharp timing and expressive delivery made her memorable in nearly every role.
She guest-starred on The Golden Girls as Betty White’s character’s blind sister and portrayed Tim Allen’s overbearing mother-in-law on Home Improvement.
She appeared in the film Gremlins as the greedy and cold-hearted Mrs. Deagle and had supporting roles in films like All the President’s Men and The Client.
On stage, she drew praise from The New York Times for her performance in A Quarrel of Sparrows, with critics noting her “refreshingly touching air of willed, cheerful imperturbability.”
With Holliday’s passing, Alice fans say farewell to the last surviving core cast member.
Linda Lavin, who played the show’s title character, died in 2024.
The show remains a touchstone for many who recall its humor, strong female characters, and working-class setting.
While the original diner may have closed its doors long ago, the memories continue to serve a warm plate of nostalgia.
Polly Holliday’s contributions stretched far beyond Flo’s apron and sass.
She helped shape the portrayal of outspoken, multidimensional women on television at a time when such characters were rare.
Her blend of comedy, heart, and no-nonsense energy left an impression on audiences and fellow actors alike.
Whether she was lighting up the stage or stealing scenes on the small screen, she made it clear that strength comes in many forms—and sometimes with a Southern drawl.
Read next: Beloved ’70s sitcom star Danielle Spencer remembered for a life of resilience and service dies at 60
Do you remember watching Polly Holliday as Flo? Or did one of her movie or Broadway roles stand out more? Share your favorite memories, quotes, or tributes below—because even though she’s gone, her spirit still has a seat at the table.
The actress, known for her sharp-tongued Southern waitress character Flo on the hit sitcom Alice, passed away at the age of 88 in New York.
Her legacy spans decades of stage and screen work, but for many, she will always be remembered for that unforgettable voice, red uniform, and unbeatable attitude behind the counter at Mel's Diner.
For those who grew up watching 1970s and ’80s television, her passing closes a chapter on one of the medium’s most beloved eras.
But the laughter she inspired and the strong women she portrayed continue to resonate today.
Polly Holliday charmed audiences as Flo, the quick-witted waitress from Alice, leaving a lasting mark on television history. Image Source: YouTube / Entertainment Tonight.
A Southern star with grit and charm
Born in Alabama, Polly Holliday brought her Southern roots into nearly every role.
Though she distanced herself from Flo’s famous catchphrase—saying it was invented by Hollywood writers—her portrayal captured the humor and resilience many viewers recognized from real life.
She once described Flo as “a Southern woman you see in a lot of places. Not well educated, but very sharp, with a sense of humor and a resolve not to let life get her down.”
That description struck a chord with audiences who saw in Flo a mix of sass, struggle, and strength.
Also read: Joe Marinelli, Soap Star on General Hospital and Santa Barbara, dead at 68
Broadway beginnings and television fame
Before she became a TV fixture, Holliday built a strong foundation on the stage.
Her Broadway performances included All Over Town (directed by Dustin Hoffman), Arsenic and Old Lace with Jean Stapleton and Abe Vigoda, and a Tony-nominated role in the 1990 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof with Kathleen Turner.
She later appeared in Picnic alongside Kyle Chandler in 1994.
But it was her role on Alice, which aired from 1976 to 1985, that brought her nationwide fame.
Her popularity led to the 1980 spin-off Flo, which earned her an additional Emmy nomination even though the show ran for just one season.
Also read: Tom Troupe, beloved actor from "Star Trek", "Cheers", and more, has died
Television and film scene-stealer
Holliday’s sharp timing and expressive delivery made her memorable in nearly every role.
She guest-starred on The Golden Girls as Betty White’s character’s blind sister and portrayed Tim Allen’s overbearing mother-in-law on Home Improvement.
She appeared in the film Gremlins as the greedy and cold-hearted Mrs. Deagle and had supporting roles in films like All the President’s Men and The Client.
On stage, she drew praise from The New York Times for her performance in A Quarrel of Sparrows, with critics noting her “refreshingly touching air of willed, cheerful imperturbability.”
The actress behind one of TV’s most iconic catchphrases captured audiences with her sharp wit and charm. Image Source: YouTube / Top Rewind.
Also read: A soulful voice leaves behind decades of memories—the legendary voice of The Whispers, Walter Scott Jr., passes away at 81
The last of a classic cast
With Holliday’s passing, Alice fans say farewell to the last surviving core cast member.
Linda Lavin, who played the show’s title character, died in 2024.
The show remains a touchstone for many who recall its humor, strong female characters, and working-class setting.
While the original diner may have closed its doors long ago, the memories continue to serve a warm plate of nostalgia.
Also read: Legendary voice behind Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars passes away—remembering the extraordinary legacy of Clive Revill
A legacy beyond catchphrases
Polly Holliday’s contributions stretched far beyond Flo’s apron and sass.
She helped shape the portrayal of outspoken, multidimensional women on television at a time when such characters were rare.
Her blend of comedy, heart, and no-nonsense energy left an impression on audiences and fellow actors alike.
Whether she was lighting up the stage or stealing scenes on the small screen, she made it clear that strength comes in many forms—and sometimes with a Southern drawl.
Read next: Beloved ’70s sitcom star Danielle Spencer remembered for a life of resilience and service dies at 60
Do you remember watching Polly Holliday as Flo? Or did one of her movie or Broadway roles stand out more? Share your favorite memories, quotes, or tributes below—because even though she’s gone, her spirit still has a seat at the table.
