Polly Holliday, the actress who won hearts and awards for her role as the spirited waitress Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the popular American sitcom ‘Alice’, has died. She was 88. Her family confirmed she passed away peacefully at her home in New York City from natural causes. Holliday became a household name in the 1970s, known for her Southern accent and the famous catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”
Key Takeaways
- Polly Holliday, known for playing Flo in the sitcom ‘Alice’, died at age 88.
- She won two Golden Globe awards for her performance in the show.
- Her character’s popularity led to a spin-off series called ‘Flo’.
- Holliday also had a respected career in films like ‘Gremlins’ and on the Broadway stage.
Born in Jasper, Alabama, in 1937, Polly Dean Holliday began her career in theatre. She performed in numerous stage productions before getting her big break on television. In 1976, she was cast in ‘Alice’, a sitcom based on the Martin Scorsese film ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’. The show followed a widow who moves with her son to work as a waitress at a diner.
Holliday’s character, Flo, was an instant standout. Her portrayal of the sassy, man-chasing waitress with a good heart resonated with audiences. The phrase “Kiss my grits!” became a national sensation and a defining part of 1970s pop culture. Her work on ‘Alice’ earned her two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series.
The character of Flo became so popular that it resulted in a spin-off show titled ‘Flo’ in 1980. The series followed Flo as she returned to her hometown in Texas to run a roadhouse. Holliday left ‘Alice’ after four seasons to star in her own show, which ran for two seasons.
After her television success, Holliday continued to work in film and theatre. She appeared in several movies, including the 1984 hit ‘Gremlins’, where she played the villainous Mrs. Deagle. She also had roles in films like ‘All the President’s Men’ and the 1998 remake of ‘The Parent Trap’. She returned to the stage as well, receiving a Tony Award nomination in 1990 for her performance in the Broadway revival of ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’.
Throughout her career, Polly Holliday was known for her ability to create memorable and vibrant characters. While she will always be remembered as Flo, her body of work on screen and stage demonstrated her wide range as a performer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What was Polly Holliday’s most famous role?
A: Polly Holliday was most famous for her role as Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the American sitcom ‘Alice’, which aired from 1976 to 1980.
Q2: What was Polly Holliday’s popular catchphrase? A: Her character Flo’s catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”, became a very popular saying in the late 1970s.
Q3: Did Polly Holliday win any major awards?
A: Yes, she won two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her work on ‘Alice’. She was also nominated for four Emmy Awards for the same role and received a Tony Award nomination for her stage work.
Q4: Was Polly Holliday in the movie ‘Gremlins’?
A: Yes, Polly Holliday played the role of the mean-spirited Mrs. Ruby Deagle in the 1984 movie ‘Gremlins’.
Q5: How did Polly Holliday die?
A: According to her family, Polly Holliday died of natural causes at her home.
