Polly Holliday, a Tony Award-nominated actor renowned for her role as the memorable gum-chewing waitress, Flo, in the long-running CBS sitcom "Alice," has passed away at the age of 88. Holliday died on Tuesday at her home in New York, as confirmed by her theatrical agent, Dennis Aspland. She was the last surviving member of the principal cast of "Alice," following the death of Linda Lavin, who portrayed the title character, in the previous year.
"Alice" aired from 1976 to 1985, gaining significant popularity and allowing Holliday to become a household name. Her character's catchphrase, "Kiss my grits!," became a national colloquialism, although Holliday later expressed that the phrase was "pure Hollywood," distancing herself from any regional interpretation. In recognition of her rising fame, CBS granted Holliday her own short-lived spin-off titled "Flo," which debuted in 1980 and ran for one year.
Throughout her career, Holliday received remarkable accolades, including four Golden Globe nominations, winning one in 1980 for her role in "Alice." Additionally, her talent was recognized with four Emmy Award nominations—three for her work on "Alice" and one for "Flo." In her interviews, Holliday emphasized her identification with Flo, describing her as a Southern woman who, despite lacking formal education, possessed sharp wit, a sense of humor, and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Holliday's extensive career included significant roles on Broadway, television, and film. She earned a Tony Award nomination for her performance alongside Kathleen Turner in a 1990 revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof." Her television appearances spanned various popular shows, including a memorable role as the blind sister to Betty White's character in "Golden Girls." Holliday also graced the big screen in films such as John Grisham's 1995 legal thriller "The Client" and "All the President's Men," where she played a protective secretary.
Her Broadway credits were varied, including performances in "All Over Town" in 1974, directed by Dustin Hoffman, "Arsenic and Old Lace" in 1986 alongside Jean Stapleton and Abe Vigoda, and a revival of "Picnic" in 1994 featuring Kyle Chandler. Furthermore, she delivered noteworthy performances in roles such as the wicked Mrs. Deagle in the cult classic "Gremlins," and Tim Allen's sassy mother-in-law in "Home Improvement." Holliday also appeared Off-Broadway in "A Quarrel of Sparrows," a production that The New York Times praised for showcasing her "refreshingly touching air of willed, cheerful imperturbability."
Polly Holliday's impact on American television, theater, and film remains significant, as she captured the hearts of audiences with her dynamic performances and memorable characters. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and entertainers.
