Polly Holliday, the last surviving member of the original cast of the hit 1970s sitcom Alice, has died at the age of 88. Her close friend and agent, Dennis Aspland, confirmed the news to The New York Times. She passed away on Tuesday at her home in Manhattan after years of health issues.
Holliday rose to fame playing the quick-witted waitress Florence Jean 'Flo' Castleberry on Alice, a role that earned her two Golden Globe awards and several Emmy nominations. Her character's catchphrase, 'Kiss my grits,' became a cultural touchstone. She starred in the show from 1976 to 1980 alongside Linda Lavin and Beth Howland.
Born and raised in Alabama, Holliday initially studied piano at Alabama College for Women before earning a degree in music education at Florida State University. Her acting career began in summer theatre, where she earned $40 a week. Her big break came in 1974 when Dustin Hoffman cast her in the Broadway play All Over Town, leading to a role in All the President's Men and eventually Alice.
Holliday later appeared in films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, The Parent Trap, and Fair Game, as well as TV shows including The Golden Girls, The Equalizer, and Home Improvement. She earned a Tony nomination for her role in the 1990 Broadway revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She never married and had no children.
