Polly Holliday is a name that evokes a sense of nostalgia for many fans of classic American television and film. Best known for her iconic role as the feisty waitress Flo on the sitcom Alice, Holliday became a household name during the 1970s and 1980s. Her sharp wit, unforgettable catchphrase—“Kiss my grits!”—and commanding screen presence made her one of the most recognizable actresses of her time.
But as the years have gone by, many fans wonder: Is Polly Holliday still alive? This article explores the truth about her current life status, health, career achievements, and lasting influence in the entertainment industry. We’ll also reflect on how her roles helped shape the portrayal of strong women on screen and where she stands in 2025.
Is Polly Holliday Still Alive in 2025?
Yes, Polly Holliday is still alive as of 2025.
Born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Polly Holliday is now 87 years old. While she has been retired from acting for several years and lives a quiet life away from the public eye, there have been no credible reports or confirmations of her passing.
Holliday has maintained a private and dignified retirement, avoiding the spotlight while still being remembered fondly by fans, former colleagues, and media historians.
Who Is Polly Holliday?
Polly Holliday is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry, a sassy and outspoken waitress, on the hit CBS sitcom Alice (1976–1980). Her performance was so popular that she earned her own spin-off series, Flo (1980–1981).
She began her career on the stage and was an experienced theater actress before transitioning to television and film. Holliday’s powerful performances, distinctive Southern accent, and comedic timing won her numerous awards and nominations during her active years in Hollywood.
Throughout her decades-long career, she appeared in both dramatic and comedic roles across television, film, and stage, showcasing remarkable versatility and charisma.
Current Health and Lifestyle of Polly Holliday
Polly Holliday has lived a private life since retiring from the entertainment industry. As of 2025, she is 87 years old and has been out of the public spotlight for over a decade. There are no confirmed public statements from Holliday or her representatives about any serious health conditions, but it is understood that she is enjoying her retirement peacefully and away from media attention.
It is common for aging celebrities to step back from public life, and Holliday has chosen a path of privacy and tranquility in her later years. Fans occasionally post tributes and birthday wishes, and she is still celebrated by classic TV enthusiasts and film historians.
Career Highlights of Polly Holliday
Alice (1976–1980)
Polly Holliday joined the cast of Alice in its first season and quickly became the breakout star. Her portrayal of Flo, a tough but lovable Southern waitress, earned her two Golden Globe Awards and four Emmy Award nominations. Her character’s catchphrase, “Kiss my grits,” became a national sensation and is still remembered today.
Flo (1980–1981)
Due to her rising popularity, Holliday was given her own spin-off show, Flo, in which her character returns to her Texas hometown to run a roadhouse. Although the show only lasted two seasons, it showcased Holliday’s talent as a leading actress and deepened her fanbase.
Film Appearances
Holliday also had a successful film career, appearing in notable movies such as:
- Gremlins (1984) as Mrs. Deagle
- Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) as Gloria, the social worker
- The Parent Trap (1998) as Marva Kulp Sr.
These roles allowed Holliday to demonstrate her range beyond comedy, bringing depth to supporting characters with both humor and heart.
Stage Career
Before and after her television fame, Holliday remained active in theater. She performed in numerous stage productions and received critical acclaim for her work on Broadway. Her background in Shakespearean and classical theater set her apart in the television world and earned her respect among peers and directors.
Awards and Honors
Polly Holliday received several awards and honors for her contributions to television and film:
- Two Golden Globe Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Television Series (Alice)
- Multiple Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
- TV Land Award nominations for her iconic role on Alice
Her work paved the way for strong, multidimensional female characters in television, and she is widely credited with challenging stereotypes about Southern women and working-class roles.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Polly Holliday’s career is often cited as a benchmark for actresses who bring both comedy and toughness to their roles. Her character Flo became a symbol of self-assurance and unapologetic honesty—a refreshing depiction in an era when female characters were often limited to narrow archetypes.
Her influence includes:
- Inspiring other strong, assertive female roles in sitcoms like Roseanne and Designing Women
- Redefining the image of Southern women in pop culture
- Contributing to the popularity and longevity of female-led TV shows in the 1980s and 1990s
Today, reruns of Alice and Flo continue to air on classic television networks, and her performances are studied in discussions about women in American television.
Personal Life and Privacy
Polly Holliday has always maintained a relatively private personal life. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she rarely engaged in public controversies or overexposed media appearances. This intentional privacy has earned her admiration from fans who respect her desire for personal boundaries.
She has never been married, and very little is publicly known about her family life, which she has kept out of the spotlight. Holliday has often emphasized that her identity and fulfillment came from her craft, not from celebrity status.
Her decision to retreat from Hollywood and lead a quiet retirement reflects a graceful exit from a long and accomplished career.
Where Is Polly Holliday Now?
Polly Holliday currently resides in the United States and enjoys a quiet life away from the public eye. While she no longer acts or makes public appearances, her name continues to surface during award season retrospectives, television history documentaries, and online fan tributes.
Though she has no official social media presence, fans continue to celebrate her work online. Her birthday, July 2, is often commemorated by classic TV networks and publications that highlight her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polly Holliday still alive?
Yes, Polly Holliday is still alive as of 2025. She is currently 87 years old and living a private, retired life.
What is Polly Holliday best known for?
She is best known for her role as Flo on the television series Alice and its spin-off Flo. She also appeared in films like Gremlins, Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Parent Trap.
Did Polly Holliday retire from acting?
Yes, Holliday retired from acting in the early 2000s. Her final known screen role was in The Parent Trap (1998), and she has since stepped away from the spotlight.
Where does Polly Holliday live now?
While she has not disclosed her exact location publicly, she is known to be living a private life in the United States.
Is Polly Holliday married?
No, Polly Holliday has never been publicly married, and she has kept her personal life private.
What awards has Polly Holliday won?
She has won two Golden Globe Awards and received multiple Emmy nominations for her role in Alice.
Conclusion
So, is Polly Holliday still alive? Yes—and though she is no longer active in the entertainment industry, her influence continues to echo through decades of American television and film. As a trailblazing actress who brought strength, humor, and authenticity to every role she played, Polly Holliday remains a cherished figure in pop culture.
Her portrayal of Flo broke barriers and helped redefine how women were depicted on television. In an age where celebrity is often fleeting, Polly Holliday’s enduring impact proves that true talent and character leave a lasting legacy. Even in retirement, her contributions remain alive in the laughter, nostalgia, and admiration of audiences who still say, “Kiss my grits!” with a smile.