Polly Holliday, the Alabama-born actress renowned for her sassy catchphrase “Kiss my grits!” on the CBS sitcom Alice and its spinoff Flo, passed away Tuesday at her Manhattan home. She was 88, her agent and longtime friend, Dennis Aspland, confirmed to The New York Times.
Born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Holliday grew up immersed in Southern humor and storytelling. Her father, a truck driver, often took her along on summer trips, experiences that later inspired her iconic portrayals of outspoken, quick-witted waitresses. Holliday once told People magazine that her characters, like Flo, were modeled on real women who used humor to brighten everyone’s day.
After studying at Florida State University, Holliday began her career as a teacher before pursuing acting. She honed her craft in theater before moving into television and film. Her breakthrough came in 1976 with Alice, where she played Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry, a bold waitress at Mel’s Diner. The role propelled her to national fame and led to the spinoff series Flo, which aired from 1980 to 1981.
Beyond sitcoms, Holliday enjoyed a successful career in film and television, with roles in Gremlins (1984), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993), The Parent Trap (1998), and guest appearances on shows including The Golden Girls and Home Improvement. She earned two Golden Globe Awards and multiple Emmy nominations, leaving behind a legacy defined by sharp wit and unforgettable charm.