Polly Holliday
Biography
Polly Dean Holliday was an American actress of stage, television, and film, born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, and died on September 9, 2025. She was best known for her portrayal of the sassy waitress Florence Jean Flo Castleberry on the nineteen seventies sitcom Alice. Holliday reprised this role in the short-lived spin-off series titled Flo, and her character's catchphrase of Kiss my grits remained the most memorable line associated with the series Alice. Throughout her career, she appeared in numerous projects across television, stage, and film, including work in motion pictures such as All the President's Men. Her extensive career established her as a recognized figure in American entertainment before her passing in New York.
Career overview
Polly Dean Holliday was an American actress who appeared on stage, television, and in film. Born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, she built a career across multiple mediums and was known for her work in movies and television shows.
She was best known for her portrayal of the sassy waitress Florence Jean Flo Castleberry on the 1970s sitcom Alice. She later reprised this role in the short-lived spin-off series titled Flo. Her character is strongly associated with the memorable catchphrase Kiss my grits.
In addition to her television work, Holliday's filmography included appearances in movies such as All the President's Men. Her life and career spanned decades until her death on September 9, 2025, in Manhattan, New York, at the age of eighty-eight.
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Frequent co-stars
Career timeline
Full Filmography
39 titles- Fair Game (2010) as Diane Plame
- The Heartbreak Kid (2007) as Beryl
- Stick It (2006) as Judge Westreich
- It Must Be Love (2004) as Mama Bell
- The Parent Trap (1998) as Marva Kulp, Sr.
- Mr. Wrong (1996) as Mrs. Alston
- A Loss of Innocence (1996) as Christina Eriksen
- The Client (1995) as Momma Love
- Homicide: Life on the Street (1993) as Mrs. Rath
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) as Gloria
- Home Improvement (1991) as Lillian Patterson
- A Triumph of the Heart: The Ricky Bell Story (1991)
- Moon Over Parador (1988) as Midge
- The Equalizer (1985) as Sister Sara
- The Golden Girls (1985) as Lily
- Amazing Stories (1985) as Elma Dinnock
- Konrad (1985) as Berti Bartolotti
- Lots of Luck (1985) as Lucille
- Gremlins (1984) as Ruby Deagle
- The Gift of Love: A Christmas Story (1983) as Aunt Minerva
- American Playhouse (1982) as Mrs. Wooster
- Missing Children: A Mother's Story (1982) as Mary Gertrude
- The Shady Hill Kidnapping (1982) as Mrs. Wooster
- All the Way Home (1981) as Aunt Hannah
- Flo (1980)
- You Can't Take it With You (1979) as Miriam Kirby
- The One and Only (1978) as Mrs. Crawford
- Alice (1976) as Florence Jean Castleberry
- All the President's Men (1976) as Dardis' Secretary
- Bernice Bobs Her Hair (1976) as Mrs. Harvey
- The Silence (1975) as Mrs. Watson
- The Catamount Killing (1975) as Miss Pearson
- W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings (1975) as Mrs. Cozzens
- Distance (1975) as Mrs. Herman
- Dinah! (1974) as Self
- Wedding Band (1974) as Annabelle
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self - Co-Host
- The Mike Douglas Show (1961) as Self
- Tony Awards (1956) as Self - Nominee
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Polly Holliday best known for?
Polly Holliday is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Fair Game (2010), The Heartbreak Kid (2007), Stick It (2006), The Parent Trap (1998).
When and where was Polly Holliday born?
Polly Holliday was born on July 2, 1937 in Jasper, Alabama, USA.
How many credits does Polly Holliday have?
Polly Holliday has accumulated over 39 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1956 to 2010.
What is Polly Holliday's background in cinema and television?
Polly Dean Holliday was an American actress of stage, television, and film, born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, and died on September 9, 2025. She was best known for her portrayal of the sassy waitress Florence Jean Flo Castleberry on the nineteen seventies sitcom Alice. Holliday reprised this role in the short-l...