Polly Holliday — September 9, 2025
“Kiss my grits!” Few catchphrases from 1970s television lodged themselves more firmly into the American memory than Polly Holliday’s signature line. As Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the CBS sitcom Alice, she played the sharp-tongued, big-hearted waitress at Mel’s Diner who quickly became the show’s standout character. The role brought her two Golden Globe Awards, four Emmy nominations, and her own short-lived spinoff series.
Holliday came to television by way of the theater, with a deep classical background and years of stage experience before she ever stepped onto a soundstage. She later turned up in family favorites like Gremlins, Mrs. Doubtfire, and All the President’s Men, always bringing the same warmth and intelligence to every role. Polly Holliday passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a piece of American pop culture that lives on every time someone says, with a grin, “Kiss my grits.”
Sixteen names. Sixteen lives that quietly braided themselves into the daily routines of millions of Americans. The songs they sang at the top of the radio, the characters they brought to life on the small screen and the big one, the moments they shaped on the political stage—these things became part of who we are. Saying goodbye to so many of them in one short stretch of time is a reminder that the icons of our generation are not infinite, and neither are the chances to thank them for what they gave us.
One of the gentler gifts of retirement is the time it offers to reflect. We can listen to “Joy to the World” with our grandchildren and tell them where we were the first time we heard it. We can pull Cool Hand Luke off the shelf, watch The Princess Bride with the family on a rainy Sunday, or queue up Annie Hall just to see Diane Keaton in that hat again. These works do not stop mattering when their creators leave us. If anything, they matter more.
So perhaps the best way to remember the people on this list is to keep their work playing. Press play, turn it up, and let the next generation discover, the way we once did, what made these Americans so unforgettable.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. Biographical details have been compiled from publicly reported sources at the time of writing and may be subject to revision as further information becomes available. For the most up-to-date public records and obituaries, please consult reputable news organizations.
