Polly Holliday passes away due to pneumonia: A look into the Golden Globe winner's personal life

Actress Polly Holliday, best known for her roles on beloved sitcom Alice and Nancy Meyer’s adaptation The Parent Trap, has sadly passed away. As per the New York Times, she passed away in her New York City home following a bout of pneumonia, though close friend Dennis Aspland confirmed to the publication that her health had been deteriorating for years. Polly was 88 years old and the last remaining cast member from her hit CBS show.

Her portrayal of ‘Flo’ on Alice earned her three Emmy nominations, two Golden Globe wins in the category of ‘Best Supporting Actress’, as well as a short-lived spinoff series based on her character called Flo. Polly Holliday shared the following thoughts about her upbringing and how it helped her tap into Flo’s energy on and off set:

"After I discovered theater, I became very abrupt with my people back home. But Flo helped me fall in love with my roots. She's so honest I became honest too."

Polly Holliday never got married or had any children of her own.

In a 1980 interview with PEOPLE, she confidently decreed that:

“My work is my life.”

Polly Holliday - A glimpse into the actress’ personal life

Polly Holliday was born in Jasper, Alabama to working class parents. She attended the Alabama College for Women at Montevallo (now referred to as the University of Montevallo) in the 1950’s where her penchant for the dramatic arts became crystallized.

“I started acting long before I knew what I was doing. At age 19 and a junior in college, I joined the cast of a summer outdoor theatre in North Carolina called Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Center. I was a choir singer, a square dancer and understudied a lead role. . . . That job paid room and board and about $40 a week.”

After graduating in 1959 she took her talents to Florida State University where she continued to hone her skillset.

In 1970, Polly Holliday moved to New York City where she built a portfolio doing public theatre plays, before she eventually got the call from Broadway; she was cast in All Over Town alongside the iconic acting legend Dustin Hoffman in 1974. This lead to her being cast alongside Hoffman in hit film All the President’s Men in 1976, and also coincided with when she was officially cast on Alice.

Trending

For more on this story or other news, check out Soap Central for more.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback