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Polly Holliday
1937 - 2025
Polly Holliday
1937 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1937
DIED
2025
Polly Holliday Obituary
Born July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Holliday studied music at what is now the University of Montevallo and pursued graduate work at Florida State University. She taught school and honed her craft in repertory theaters before arriving on Broadway in 1974.
Holliday joined "Alice" in 1976 as Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry, a brassy, big-hearted waitress with perfect timing. Her flirtatious character became a fan favorite and led to a spinoff, the two-season sitcom "Flo." She won Golden Globes in 1979 and 1980 for the role and earned four Primetime Emmy nominations, three for "Alice" and one for "Flo."
Her TV work ranged far beyond Mel's Diner. She played Rose Nylund's sister Lily on "The Golden Girls" and recurred as Jill Taylor's mother, Lillian, on "Home Improvement." She later co-starred in the legal drama "The Client."
On film, Holliday was unforgettable as ruthless mogul Ruby Deagle in "Gremlins," winning the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1985. Other credits included "All the President's Men," "Mrs. Doubtfire," and "The Parent Trap" (1998).
She returned often to the stage. Holliday starred on Broadway in "Arsenic and Old Lace" and earned a Tony nomination as Big Mama in the 1990 revival of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof."
Despite her fame, she led a private life. She was deeply involved with Grace Church in Greenwich Village, helping support its choral society and a chamber series, and she never married.
By Legacy News Staff
(Image: Everett Collection)
65 Entries
Jennifer Baribault
November 9, 2025
Celebrating the life of a talented waitress Florence Jane Castleberry (Fo) Kiss My Grits that she will say to Mel aka Vic Tayback on Alice, my favorite episode was that Flo was to get Tom measurements for a tuxedo for a dance, when she, Alice and Vera drove the truck through Mel´s restaurant on Alice 90 Episodes 1975-/980, she had a spinoff show Name Flo Castleberry from 1980-1981. Also, she made Guest Appearances on Soap Opera Search For Tomorrow, Mrs. Doubtfire, Home Improvement playing Patricia Richardson aka Jill Taylor´s Mother Lillian & she also made a Guest Appearance on Parent Trap playing a Camp Counselor Marva. Polly Holiday was nominated Golden Globe -winning actress turned the waitress Flo´s tart "Kiss My Grits! Thank you for coming into our homes making us laugh and I enjoy watching all your shows and Parent Trap I have the movie DVD and I don´t get sick watch it. We all know that you are in a good place now and has reunited with David Madden Earl, Linda Lavin, Alice, Vic Tayback Mel Philip Mc Mekeon Tom, Beth Howland Vera, Marvin Kaplan Henry. As her soul still lives on this earth & her body departed back to heaven. She will be missed, yet never be forgotten by all her friends you know her and watching on TV. My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Jennifer Baribault
November 9, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
November 9, 2025
Jennifer Baribault
November 9, 2025
Alice
How you can show support
Darlene
November 8, 2025
To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful actress Ms. Polly Holliday fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. We will miss Ms. Polly Holliday. Ms. Polly Holliday was a Emmy-nominated, Golden Globe-winning actress who turned the waitress Flo's tart "Kiss my grits!" into a national catchphrase on CBS's "Alice." We enjoyed the shows and movies to whom she brought much laughter and joy too. May the love and the special memory you shared and cherish with her show just how much your life was touched by her. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with Ms. Polly Holliday. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Ms. Polly Holliday. She will be greatly missed, but not forgotten.
CHIP FITTS
November 3, 2025
I JUST SAW THAT POLLY HOLLIDAY HAS PASSED AWAY. SHE WAS A TERRIFIC ACTRESS-REALLY GREAT AS FLO IN ALICE AND THEN IN HER OWN SERIES SPINOFF OF ALICE TITLED FLO. SHE WAS ALSO IN THE CLIENT TV SERIES BASED ON THE FILM OF THE SAME NAME AS MOMMA LOVE. R.I.P. POLLY YOU ENTERTAINED US.
MARY STEWART
November 2, 2025
Polly was my neighbor in Birmingham, AL when her mother was in a nursing home. My mother was from same area where Polly was raised so when I told my mom she had moved in she had to go introduce herself. That was my intro to meeting Polly Holliday. We became great buddies. She would be sitting with her door open reading her bible when I was leaving for work and she would make sure I was all together, which most days I was not... only one earring, two different shoes, list goes on and on. She had many funny stories to tell. She had a script and let me rehearse it, sitting in one of her many chairs with her name on the back, like I was an actress. She was speaking at the Zamora Temple one night and she didn't know I was going to be there. She came walking in and I was sitting at the bar. She saw me and said, "you didn't pay to see this thing did you?". I said, "no momma did" and we laughed. I could go on but will quit. It was a honor, pleasure, and a lot of fun living next door to Polly and I will never forget her. Rest in peace. Mary Stewart
sarah apfel
October 4, 2025
Polly was our next door neighbor for many years. She was a good neighbor and friend. We were really fond of her and we miss her.
Sarah Apfel & Thomas Nicholls
Carla Tarantino
October 3, 2025
I looked forward to summer afternoons with my windows wide open hoping to hear Ms. Holliday play her piano. I lived 2 floors below her and will forever remember her beautiful and artistic music.
Ms. Holliday was a wonderful story teller, a real southern lady, and a joy to spend time with.
Joyce Baxley
October 2, 2025
Polly was so kind and down to earth. When she visited her mother in Childersburg, she walked by my house every day. My son, David, was so excited to see a real movie star, he waved. She asked him to join her on her walk, He gladly did, and thus began a beautiful friendship. He was only 9 or 10 at the time, but every time she came to town, they got together. As he grew up, they shared phone calls, letters, Christmas cards and Birthday cards. When he read of her passing, he was devastated. That was an end to an almost 40 year friendship. RIP Polly. You were loved by many, and especially our family. Joyce Baxley.
Davis Family
September 26, 2025
We send heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Polly Holliday´s family and friends. She will be missed and cherished by all who loved her. I first became acquainted with Ms. Holliday watching her on the TV sitcom "Alice" as she, as Flo Castleberry, interacted with the other cast members at Mel´s Diner. I also remember watching her as she played the part of Jill Taylor's mother, Lillian, on the sitcom "Home Improvement." She was a great actress and an award-winning legend in the industry. Thank you, Polly Holliday, for sharing your remarkable skills and talents.
Please continue to cherish your good memories, and may they always bring you some comfort. May your prayers strengthen you, and may God´s loyal love always comfort and sustain you. --Psalm 23
Randy fox
September 22, 2025
Rip flo
Alison Tugwell
September 20, 2025
I wish I had known Polly personally. It´s nice to imagine we could have been friends. Her body of work is a testament to her skills as an actress. It is a privilege to be able to watch such versatility and to be able to continue to enjoy the characters she left for us. From the tributes I have read since her passing, I gather she was a wonderful individual and I am thankful she was here for awhile. Love you Polly Holliday. See you on the other side.
Terri and Jim Zezza
September 20, 2025
We are so sorry to hear about Polly passing. She looked like a kind and wonderful lady. We will miss her very much. We grew up watching Polly on Mel's Diner. She was the best. RIP Polly, we love you and miss you.
Dina Milonas
September 17, 2025
I WATCHED THIS SWEET PERSON MUST OF MY DAYS OFF AND DURING MY LUNCH TIME. FLO WAS FUNNY BUT CUTE. REST IN PEACE WHER EVER YOUR JOURNEY WILL OPEN THE DOORS FOR YOU. DINA AND ALEX MILONAS
Margaret Lee
September 16, 2025
Polly loved walking around her NYC neighborhood. We shared many lovely walks together, usually followed by coffee at a favorite diner that always had grits on the menu in her honor. Sometimes we´d watch a movie or a baseball game in her apartment where I was often lucky to hear her play the piano. Some may not know she was an accomplished musician in addition to being a brilliant actress. She looked really vibrant in red, which led to these photos I treasure.
AR
September 16, 2025
An amazing actress. Who didn´t love seeing that smile and sassy attitude? A joy to watch. May God help the Holliday in their time of loss.
Gilbert Varela
September 15, 2025
Gilbert Varela
September 15, 2025
Dear Polly, thank you for adding humor to my Sunday nights, when I was just a young boy. You'll always be "Flo", to me. Rest In Peace
P.s. "Kiss my grits".
Patricia Peters
September 14, 2025
Loved you, Miss Kissmygrits.
David Vance
September 14, 2025
Thanks for the laughs
ED
September 13, 2025
Polly was a great actress, her family and friends have my heartfelt sympathy. May the fond memories of your loved one always be remembered.
Matthew Jones
September 13, 2025
I really enjoyed watching her every Sunday night on the Alice show. I send my deepest condolences to her family and hope that God gives them the strength to endure.
AARON
September 13, 2025
I WAS SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF THE PASSING OF POLLY HOLIDAY SHE WILL BE MISSED
RB
September 13, 2025
Everyone knew her as Flo but, she was so much more. She had so many memorable roles throughout her career. She was always entertaining, funny and she always gave her best. She will be missed. My heart goes out to her family. May God be with you in your time of loss.
Geoffrey willbanks
September 13, 2025
I remember watching her as a kid in Alice, my thoughts and prayers go out to her family, she will be missed
Cokie
September 12, 2025
She will be missed as Gloria Chaney for Mrs. Doubtfire or Lillian Patterson in Home Improvement
Theresa Poling
September 12, 2025
I loved Polly Holliday as Flo on Alice. She was a great Guest Star on The Golden Girls as well. She will be Greatly Missed.
Serena
September 12, 2025
Polly Holliday is the esteemed comedic actress behind many great TV memories from the golden age of television. "Alice" was one of my favorite shows when growing up. Even though the show was called "Alice", Flo was actually one of the most iconic characters, not just on the show but on all TV in the 70s! It was always a treat to watch Flo put Mel in his place! The character Flo was a force to be reckoned with, but Polly was behind her genius. She showed that waitresses everywhere were not to be trifled with. She also made working in a Diner seem cool, because she literally changed people´s perceptions about waitresses. She endowed the job with a sense of purpose that commanded respect!
Polly Holliday´s talent and indomitable spirit will always be cherished, and her memory will remain a lasting treasure. RIP to a legendary lady.
Adriane Harris
September 12, 2025
Well Kiss my grits! A spunky,fun,lively Kentucky accent, down home character she played so tough you'd think that's who she really was,great unforgettable character in Mel's dinner. Loved Flo!!! Wow,she was the last of Mel's diner to survive, now they're all back together again in the Mel's Diner in the sky....my condolences to all her family and friends.
Dave Carver
September 12, 2025
Polly Holliday did an awesome job playing Flo on Alice. It was my favorite sitcom of all time. The show was never quite the same when she left. It is really sad that all the original cast of that awesome sitcom are now gone. R.I.P. Flo. Thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.
Marsha Lee
September 12, 2025
Loved this lady She was such a good actress & so funny. Rest in peace, Miss Polly. Thank you for all the good memories & your talent.
van cain
September 12, 2025
Polly was my second cousin from Alabama. Only meet her once, but that was the best 3 hours of my life.
van cain
September 12, 2025
WilliamSmith
September 11, 2025
Tammy A
September 11, 2025
What a great actress and entertainer. Thank you for all of the laughs. Rest in peace precious lady!
Bob Sama
September 11, 2025
Thanks Polly, you were part of my childhood.
DENNIS PAUL MALONE
September 11, 2025
Faith Tobin
September 11, 2025
Dear Holliday Family my condolences´s to the Holliday Family./she´ll surely be missed very very much./may she rest in peace.she was absolutely very funny.best faith/brad
Mark Douglas Ray and Family
September 11, 2025
My almost 90-year-old mother, Ann Tomberlin Ray, attended Vacation Bible School in the 1940s with Polly Holliday at the First Baptist Church in Childersburg, Alabama where my grandfather, F. W. Tomberlin, was their pastor. An old snapshot of that event which includes Polly, my mom, and both maternal grandparents, still brings joy each time we run across it.
-Mark Ray, Decatur, Alabama
Bubba
September 11, 2025
You were the best southern sister i rejoice knowing I'll see you in heaven one day
A great actress indeed!
SD
September 11, 2025
Wow, she was really funny as Flo & between her & Mel, they were probably the only reasons I tuned in. Rest in peace Ms. Holliday...
Chris
September 11, 2025
I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Polly Holliday. May God give your family comfort and strength as you mourn her loss.
Linda
September 11, 2025
She was a great actress and will be missed by those who knew her as an actress. Loved her "Kiss my grits".
Lisa Weiner
September 11, 2025
To Polly Holiday.
You were a very talented actress . You did a great job playing the waitress Flo on the sitcom Alice. You made me laugh. My prayers go to your family and friends. Lisa Weiner.
Grady Morris Youngblood
September 11, 2025
Patrick Jones
September 11, 2025
RIP to a great actress that I know from the tv show Alice, as Flo. Who doesn't remember the line "Kiss My Grits." Thank you for the laughs, thoughts for the Holliday family.
Diana Patton
September 11, 2025
Pollyanna Holliday was a great actress. May she rest in peace. She is in a better place called Heaven. The Lord Is My Shepherd. Psalm 23.
RB
September 11, 2025
Such a great actress, everyone got to know and love her as Flo, it was one of my favorite shows. Heartfelt condolences to the Holliday family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be with you all to help you in your time of loss.
Ruth Washington
September 11, 2025
I'm going to miss you holiday I know you going to do a better place. With Jesus
M. Story
September 11, 2025
Polly will always be remembered as "Flo" who brought much love and laughter through the TV screen. Her gum chewing and sassyness while waitressing at Mel's Diner will long be remembered. Rest in peace, Polly. May God comfort her family and friends as they mourn her passing.
Grady Morris Youngblood
September 11, 2025
Polly Holliday is Greatest tv Actress on Alice Tv Show sitcom
KMS
September 11, 2025
God speed and thank you for the laughs.
A. Dodd
September 11, 2025
Seeing Polly in A Gift of Love; A Christmas Story as the "old maid" character of Aunt Min (Minerva) discussing her true love Hannibal (the Christmas ghost) gave me a whole new appreciation for her as an actress beyond "Flo"...she was able to outshine both Lee Remick and Angela Lansbury in that movie. A true gem Thank you God for creating such a wonderful person!
Virginia zamora
September 11, 2025
RIP miss Polly you be miss in so many ways I see you on Alice love when you tell your boss to kiss my grits you are the was the best on TV 1970- until now 2025
William earl Smith
September 10, 2025
Rest in peace Flo
T Brooks
September 10, 2025
So sorry to hear about Polly Holliday's passing. The last of the original "Alice" cast. Sending deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
Josh Monson
September 10, 2025
She will be missed by all that knew her
Kathy Koehler
September 10, 2025
Polly Holiday,
Thanks so much for all the laughs you brought to my tv screen throughout the years. Sometimes I thought, I want to be like Flo someday!! You were a free spirit as Flo, a little bit sassy, and a whole lot of fun!
May the Goddess of Goodness carry you away to the tropical island of your dreams.
Dave Mann
September 10, 2025
What a great actress and she turned the role of Flo into one of the most memorable characters on not only "Alice" but all of TV. Sadly, all of the main characters have passed away. My condolences to her family and friends.
Edwin Turman
September 10, 2025
I love your show, as a kid you always brought a smile to my face
John Svida
September 10, 2025
Florence Jean Castleberry, Will be Sadly Missed, Thank You for, Entertaining America Polly, Mels Dinner was a favorite, Thank You for the laughs, lost a lot of beautiful people this year. Polly will live forever everytime I watch the show. God Bless, very sad .
Jennifer Parker
September 10, 2025
I grew up watching you, and still to this day I watch you on Alice.
You were my favorite, my heart is broken over your passing.
Thank you for all the laughs and giggles you gave me.
You were a great actress.
Josh Monson
September 10, 2025
Polly Holliday was great on the sitcom Alice she will be by all who knew her
Grady Morris Youngblood
September 10, 2025
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