Alice cast and characters: Here's who brought the classic CBS sitcom to life

Alice was a pleasant and humorous sitcom that dealt with life, friendship, and dreams, all centered around a small diner that felt like home. The people in the show were its core, a family of likable, imperfect, and humorous characters. Their individual contributions to Mel’s Diner made it a place that fans would never wish to be away from.

---

Alice Hyatt (Linda Lavin)

The central figure of the show is Alice Hyatt, played by Linda Lavin. As a single mother who relocates to Phoenix to begin anew, she is a hardworking waitress who dreams of becoming a singer. Alice is a peaceful, gentle, and sensible person, the one who keeps everyone together in times of trouble. She listens, advises, and always attempts to find something good in people. Even when life becomes tough, her jokes and optimism make the diner (as well as the show) shine.

---

Mel Sharples (Vic Tayback)

Mel Sharples, portrayed by Vic Tayback, is the proprietor and cook of Mel’s Diner: grumpy, loud-tempered, and full of attitude. He enjoys teasing his waitresses and never lacks sarcastic jokes. However, beneath his crude surface, Mel has a big heart. He is someone who genuinely cares about his staff, although he is not willing to confess it. The aura of a tough guy and his feigned heartlessness made Mel funny as well as unexpectedly lovable in Alice.

---

Tommy Hyatt (Philip McKeon)

Tommy, played by Philip McKeon, is the intelligent and funny son of Alice. He brings youthful and fresh energy to the show through his quick comments and inquisitive nature. He occasionally gets into minor trouble, but he also gives Alice plenty of reasons to make important life choices. As the show progresses, viewers witness Tommy growing into a man, which makes the family narrative feel more real and relatable.

---

Belle Dupree (Diane Ladd)

Diane Ladd, as Belle Dupree, gives Mel’s Diner a touch of southern flair and glitz. She joins the team to substitute for Flo, bringing with her a sense of romance, humor, and nostalgia. Belle’s warm personality and her strong bond with Mel make her a standout member of the group.

---

Flo Castleberry (Polly Holliday)

Flo is one of the most renowned characters in the show, portrayed by Polly Holliday. She became a TV legend with her heavy Texas accent, daring style, and classic line, “Kiss my grits!” Flo is outspoken, loyal, and never shy about delivering a snappy remark. She became so popular in Alice that she even got her own spin-off show, a true testament to how memorable she was.

---

Vera Louise Gorman (Beth Howland)

Vera is the kind, awkward waitress capable of making anybody smile. Brought to life by Beth Howland, Vera is innocent, a bit air-headed, and tends to find herself in ridiculous circumstances, but her goodness always prevails. Over time, Vera becomes more confident and finds her own happiness, showing that she is not as weak as she appears. Her tender heart and amusing escapades made her one of the most memorable and lovable characters in Alice.

---

Henry Beesmire (Marvin Kaplan)

Marvin Kaplan, as Henry, is a nice and humorous regular at the diner. He is a telephone repairman who soon becomes part of the extended family of the diner. Henry is a very witty guy with his eccentric remarks and sweet jokes, which bring a certain level of warmth and plenty of laughs to each episode of Alice.

---

Jolene Hunnicutt (Celia Weston)

Celia Weston, in the role of Jolene, plays a truck driver who becomes a waitress at the diner. She is funny, hardworking, and down-to-earth. Jolene has a carefree approach to life and a witty nature, which adds a fresh, contemporary feel to Alice, demonstrating the strength and humor of a working woman in real life.

---

Carrie Sharples (Martha Raye)

Martha Raye brings big energy to Alice in the role of Mel’s mother, Carrie Sharples. She is humorous and never hesitates to speak her mind, or even take over the kitchen. Whenever she appears, she brings plenty of noise and entertainment with her, ensuring that life in the diner is never boring.

---

Supporting Players

Elliot Novack, played by Charles Levin, is Vera’s sweetheart and husband, adding romance to the picture. Earl Hicks, portrayed by Dave Madden, is Tommy’s coach, a loving mentor and steady source of advice. Victoria Carroll’s Marie Massey, the on-and-off girlfriend of Mel, introduces an element of drama and tenderness to the story. Collectively, these characters ensure that the world of the diner is always exciting and unpredictable, and Alice as a show remains endlessly enjoyable.

---

For more such insights, keep following SoapCentral.