Who was Polly Holliday? Golden Globe-winning ‘Alice’ star dies at 88

Renowned American actress Polly Holliday, known from her roles as waitress Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry in Robert Getchell’s 1970s CBS sitcom, passed away on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The actress was 88.

Polly Dean Holliday was born in Alabama to Ernest Sullivan Holliday and Velma Mabell Holliday. Her passion for acting became evident in the late 1950s when she performed in the theatre department at the Alabama College for Women in Montevallo, where she graduated with a degree in piano.

Before venturing into acting, Polly Holliday worked as a piano teacher for a few years. She made her acting debut as a member of the Asolo Theatre Company in Sarasota, Florida. In the 1970s, Polly was cast in supporting roles in several Broadway shows. However, her big break came in 1976 when she was cast as Florence in CBS's "Alice."

More details on American actress Polly Holliday

Polly Holliday’s death was confirmed by her theatrical agent, Dennis Aspland. According to reports, the actress died of Pneumonia in her Manhattan home. She was also the last surviving member of the original cast, Alice.

Polly boasts of an impressive acting resume. Some of her featured films include Pittsville - Ein Safe voll Blut, Distance, Moon Over Parador, The Parent Trap, The Heartbreak Kid, Fair Game, Mrs. Doubtfire, Gremlins, All The President's Men, The One And Only, and Stick It.

Polly has won a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress, and in 2000, the Gremlins star was inducted into the Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame.

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