The untold story behind actress Polly Holliday’s life, Alice Flo character and the Kiss My Grits catchphrase.
Goodbye Flo
American actress Polly Holliday left us on September 9, 2025, at the age of 88.
This actress, who created the character of Flo, emerged as a superstar in the serial ‘Alice’.
Her famous dialogue Kiss my grits! made a place in TV history. Her departure is the end of an era.
Initial steps
Born in Jasper, Alabama, in 1937, Polly’s childhood was spent driving trucks and with passengers at stop restaurants.
She earned a piano degree from Alabama State College and studied at Florida State University for one year.
Then she turned from teaching to theater, which was her first true identity.
Flo’s charm
The show ‘Alice’ that came out in 1976 made Polly famous as Flo in every household.
Her style of expression and Kiss my grits thrown at the right time won the hearts of the audience.
Flo’s temperament was simple but quick-witted, which emerged as a revolutionary concept in itself.
Stepping on the big screen
Polly’s luck remained high even after Flo.
She showed a glimpse of laughter amidst fear in Gremlins, showed her versatility in Mrs. Doubtfire and The Parent Trap.
She also brought her Joker character to life in popular shows like The Golden Girls and Home Improvement.
Theatre and Tony
Polly also left her mark on Broadway. All Over Town, under the direction of Dustin Hoffman, was her first big stage.
The Tony nomination for Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 1990 recognized her multifaceted talent.
Throughout her life, she insisted on staying connected to the theater and never distanced herself from the stage.
Personal life
In life, Polly did not marry and had no children.
She said that her work is her world. She believed in not forgetting her roots and characters like Flo also kept her connected to her past.
Memorable moments
Three Emmy nominations proved the depth of Polly’s comedy.
Winning a Saturn Award for Gremlins was proof of her versatility.
She handled the sudden responsibility in Private Benjamin with flying colours.
She once again made her mark as Rose’s blind sister in Golden Girls.
Her work on stage and screen still touches the heart.
Final Goodbye
Polly died in New York from pneumonia. She left behind a long career, many memorable characters and countless smiles.
Her legacy is that even in simplicity, there is dazzling talent. Flo’s stories will live on.