Polly Holliday, the actress who catapulted into American pop culture lore as Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the hit sitcom Alice, died on September 9, 2025, in her Manhattan home. She was 88. Wikipedia2People.com+
Her death, confirmed by her longtime theatrical agent Dennis Aspland, reportedly followed a bout of pneumonia after several years of health decline. People.com2Wikipedia2
Early Life & Roots
- Polly Dean Holliday was born July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, the daughter of Ernest Sullivan Holliday, a truck driver, and Velma Mabell Holliday. Wikipedia1
- She grew up in small towns like Childersburg and Sylacauga, Alabama. Wikipedia1
- Education: She earned her bachelor’s degree in piano from Alabama College for Women (now University of Montevallo) and did further study at Florida State University. Early in her life, she taught music in schools. Wikipedia2legacy.com2
Breakthrough Role & Television Fame
- Polly Holliday made her breakthrough playing Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the sitcom Alice (CBS, 1976–1985). Her character was gum‑chewing, bleach‑haired, witty, confrontational in a way audiences found endearing. Wikipedia2AP News2
- Her signature catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”, became one of the most recognizable lines in 1970s‑80s American television. Wikipedia2AP News2
- Her popularity from Alice led to the spin‑off Flo in 1980. While Flo was short‑lived, it solidified her status as a leading comedic figure of the era. Wikipedia1
Film, Stage & Later Television
Polly Holliday’s career extended far beyond her role as Flo:
- She appeared in classic films such as Gremlins (for which she won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1985), Mrs. Doubtfire, The Parent Trap (1998), All the President’s Men, among others. Wikipedia2legacy.com2
- On stage, she had several Broadway credits including All Over Town, Arsenic and Old Lace, Picnic, and notably a Tony‑nominated performance in the 1990 revival of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Wikipedia1
- She also appeared in many television shows in guest or recurring roles: The Golden Girls, Home Improvement, The Client among them. Wikipedia2legacy.com2
Legacy & Personal Life
- Holliday was the last surviving core cast member of Alice. Other principal cast members, including Linda Lavin, had passed away previously. AP News1
- Her impact: The character of Flo and her phrase “Kiss my grits!” moved beyond television into American vernacular. It remains a part of her legacy. Wikipedia2AP News2
- Despite public fame, she maintained a degree of privacy: Holliday never married nor had children. Her devotion to her craft, theater, music, and community were central in her later life. Wikipedia1
Cause of Death & Final Moments
Polly Holliday passed away at her home in Manhattan, New York, on September 9, 2025. Wikipedia2People.com2 The death appears to have resulted from complications of pneumonia, following years of health issues. People.com2Wikipedia2
Cultural Significance
Polly Holliday’s portrayal of Flo challenged stereotypes and added a sharp, comedic voice to television during a transformative time. Her ability to deliver sharp retorts, her unapologetic Southern accent and attitude, and her comedic timing made Flo one of TV’s memorable characters.
Her awards and nominations substantiate her talent:
- Golden Globes: multiple nominations, at least one win for Alice. AP News2Wikipedia2
- Emmy nominations in recognition of her work. AP News1
- Saturn Award for Gremlins. Wikipedia1
Reactions & Remembrance
Tributes have poured in from fans, co‑stars, theaters, and fellow performers. Many point to how Holliday took a supporting character and made her unforgettable. The line “Kiss my grits” is often quoted, remembered, and celebrated as part of her indelible mark in entertainment.
Her death marks not just the passing of an actress but the end of an era: the infirm cast members of Alice have now all passed, leaving Holliday’s legacy as both singular and historic.
Here is a timely tribute video for Polly Holliday:
Polly Holliday’s passing is a profound loss to television, theater, and film. Her voice, her wit, her presence—Flo’s sass and her own artistic range—ensured she won both hearts and respect. She leaves behind a legacy that continues to be quoted and cherished by audiences new and old.