Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of television’s most beloved icons. Polly Holliday — the sharp-tongued, unforgettable waitress Flo Castleberry from the hit CBS sitcom “Alice” — has passed away at the age of 88. Her longtime friend and manager, Dennis Asplan, confirmed that the legendary actress died peacefully in her Manhattan apartment on September 9, 2025, due to complications from pneumonia.
For millions of fans, Holliday was more than just an actress — she was a television institution. With her Southern sass, radiant charisma, and the now-immortal catchphrase “Kiss my grits!”, she became a household name in the late 1970s and early 1980s. But behind the laughter and fame, there was a story few ever knew — one that she only decided to reveal shortly before her death.
In her final interviews, Holliday opened up about the real reason she left “Alice” at the height of her success, a decision that puzzled fans and insiders for decades. Despite the show’s massive popularity, the actress admitted she was deeply unhappy behind the scenes.
“It wasn’t the audience — I loved them,” she confessed. “But the atmosphere on set had become… tense. I was exhausted, creatively and emotionally. I wanted Flo to grow, to be more than just a punchline. But the show didn’t see it that way.”
After leaving “Alice” in 1980, Holliday starred in the spinoff “Flo,” which followed her character’s adventures in Texas. Although it began with strong ratings, the series was canceled after just one season. Still, Holliday’s portrayal of Flo became a lasting symbol of female independence and Southern wit in American pop culture.
Friends close to the actress said she never regretted her decision to walk away. “Polly was proud of what she did,” Asplan shared. “She stood up for herself in an industry that didn’t always value strong women. She wanted to be remembered for her integrity, not just for a catchphrase.”
Throughout her decades-long career, Holliday continued to work in film and television, appearing in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Gremlins,” and “The Parent Trap.” But no matter where she went, she remained “Flo” to generations of fans — a character who spoke her mind, stood her ground, and left an indelible mark on TV history.
Holiday’s portrayal of the sassy waitress with the unforgettable catchphrase “Kiss my grits” made her a household name during the show’s run from 1976 to 1985. Yet, in a surprising twist, she abruptly left “Alice” after the fourth season, a decision that altered the show’s trajectory. While many fans were left wondering why she departed, Holiday sought to break free from the shadow of her character, yearning for new creative opportunities.
Despite the success of her spin-off series “Flo,” which premiered in 1980, the show struggled to maintain momentum and was canceled after just 29 episodes. This marked a poignant moment in television history, as the character of Flo vanished from screens, leaving a void that could never truly be filled.
In her later years, Holiday embraced a quieter life, focusing on community service and mentoring young actors. Her legacy, however, is far from silent. From her memorable roles in films like “Gremlins” and “Mrs. Doubtfire” to her stage performances that earned her a Tony nomination, Holiday’s impact on the arts remains indelible.
As fans and co-stars remember her sharp wit and fierce spirit, Polly Holiday leaves behind a rich tapestry of performances that transcended the boundaries of television. Her journey from a small-town girl to a cultural icon serves as a testament to her resilience and talent. The world has lost a brilliant star, but her spirit and characters will forever resonate in the hearts of those who cherished her work.
