Actress Polly Holliday Dead at 88 — Star of ‘Alice,’ ‘Gremlins,’ and ‘The Parent Trap’
Polly Holliday, the acclaimed actress best known for her breakout role as Flo Castleberry on the hit sitcom Alice, has died at the age of 88.
Her longtime agent and friend, Dennis Aspland, confirmed to TMZ that Holliday passed away Tuesday at her home in Manhattan following years of health struggles. She reportedly died of suspected pneumonia.
Holliday launched her screen career in the mid-1970s with small roles in All the President’s Men and Distance, before skyrocketing to fame with Alice, a television adaptation inspired by Martin Scorsese’s 1974 film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. Her portrayal of the quick-witted waitress Flo, and her now-iconic catchphrase “Kiss my grits,” cemented her place in pop culture history.
After four seasons, Holliday left Alice to headline her own spin-off, Flo. While the new series lasted only 29 episodes, Alice continued for another 110 episodes without her. Between the two shows, Holliday earned four Primetime Emmy Award nominations and took home the Golden Globe in 1980 for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series.
Her screen career extended well beyond sitcom fame. Holliday appeared in beloved films including Gremlins (1984), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), and Disney’s The Parent Trap (1998). She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as The Golden Girls and Home Improvement. Her final film credit came in 2010’s Fair Game, starring Naomi Watts and Sean Penn.
In addition to her television and film success, Holliday was a celebrated stage performer, frequently appearing on Broadway. She earned a Tony Award nomination in 1990, underscoring her versatility and talent across mediums.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Holliday left an indelible mark on American entertainment. She is remembered not only for her humor and charm on screen but also for the enduring cultural footprint of her performances.
Polly Holliday was 88.
RIP.
