Polly Holliday, a well-known actress in both screen and stage productions, passed away at the age of 88 at her residence in New York, as confirmed by her agent, Dennis Aspland. Holliday, famous for her role as the sassy waitress on the CBS sitcom “Alice,” where she popularized the catchphrase “Kiss my grits!,” was the sole surviving member of the show’s primary cast. Her co-star Linda Lavin, who portrayed the titular character, passed away last year.
“Alice,” which aired from 1976 to 1985, was a comedic adaptation of the 1974 film “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” directed by Martin Scorsese. Despite her immense popularity on “Alice,” Holliday’s spin-off called “Flo” in 1980 was short-lived, lasting only 29 episodes.
Holliday’s talent was recognized with numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe nominations and an award in 1980 for her role in “Alice,” along with four Emmy Award nominations. She notably distanced herself from the iconic “Kiss my grits!” line, clarifying that it was a Hollywood creation and not a regional expression, although she strongly identified with her character, Flo.
Aside from her television success, Holliday had a thriving career on Broadway, receiving a Tony Award nomination for her performance opposite Kathleen Turner in a revival of “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” in 1990. She also showcased her acting skills in various TV shows and movies, such as playing a blind sister in “Golden Girls” and appearing in films like “The Client” and “All the President’s Men.”
Throughout her career, Holliday graced Broadway stages in productions like “All Over Town” in 1974 and “Arsenic and Old Lace” in 1986. Her versatility shone through in roles such as Mrs. Deagle in “Gremlins” and Tim Allen’s sharp-tongued mother-in-law on “Home Improvement.” Off-Broadway, she impressed audiences with her performance in “A Quarrel of Sparrows,” where critics praised her for exuding a charmingly resilient and cheerful demeanor.
Holliday’s passing marks the end of an era in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to both stage and screen.
