Polly Holliday, the beloved actress who brought the unforgettable character Flo to life on the hit sitcom Alice, has died at the age of 88. Her talent manager, Dennis Aspland, confirmed to Fox News Digital that Holliday passed away comfortably at her Manhattan home on September 9.
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Polly Holliday, famous for playing Flo on Alice, dies at 88.
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Passed away peacefully at her Manhattan home on September 9.
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Born in Jasper, Alabama, on July 2, 1937; discovered her passion for acting early.
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Broadway debut in All Over Town, directed by Dustin Hoffman.
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TV appearances include Private Benjamin, The Golden Girls, and Home Improvement.
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Film credits include The Parent Trap and Mrs. Doubtfire.
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Initially interested in drama, Polly Holliday found her talent in comedy, leaving a lasting mark on television.
Born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama, Polly Holliday discovered her love for acting at a young age. While attending the University of Montevallo in the late 1950s, she immersed herself in theater, performing in productions such as The Lady’s Not for Burning and Medea.
Reflecting on her early days, Holliday once told Actors’ Equity, “I started acting long before I knew what I was doing… At age 19 and a junior in college, I joined the cast of a summer outdoor theater in North Carolina called Unto These Hills Outdoor Drama Center. I was a choir singer, a square dancer, and understudied a lead role. That job paid room and board and about $40 a week.”
In the 1970s, Polly Holliday moved to New York to pursue her Broadway dreams. She earned her first stage role in All Over Town, which was directed by Dustin Hoffman. About her most famous character Flo, Holliday told The Sarasota Herald-Tribune in 2003, “She was a Southern woman you see in a lot of places. Not well-educated, but very sharp, with a sense of humor and a resolve not to let life get her down.”
After bidding farewell to Flo, Polly Holliday continued a successful career in television. She appeared in shows like Private Benjamin, The Golden Girls, and Home Improvement. Her talent also extended to the big screen, with appearances in films such as The Parent Trap and Mrs. Doubtfire.
Looking back at her acting journey, Holliday shared with the Tampa Bay Times in 1992, “I used to think I preferred drama, but I kept getting cast in comedies, and realized I was sort of good at it. Now I think I would like to do comedy more. It’s hard to do, but in a way it doesn’t take as much of an emotional toll.”
Polly Holliday leaves behind a legacy as one of television’s most memorable comedic actresses. Her portrayal of Flo became an iconic representation of Southern wit and charm, and her work continues to inspire both audiences and aspiring actors.
Polly Holliday leaves behind a legacy as one of television’s most beloved and enduring comedic talents. From her unforgettable role as Flo on Alice to memorable appearances on Broadway, film, and TV, she brought humor, charm, and sharp wit to every performance. Fans and fellow actors alike will remember Polly Holliday not just for her iconic characters, but for the laughter and joy she shared throughout her remarkable career.
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