Polly Holliday, Beloved “Flo” from ‘Alice,’ Dies at 88 Due To Pneumonia and Years of Health Issues

Polly Holliday, best known for playing the feisty waitress “Flo” on the hit sitcom Alice, passed away on September 9, 2025. At her death, she was 88. The memorable catchphrase, "Kiss my grits!" which she gave to Flo, made her a television icon. Throughout the decades, she also performed on the stage and in movies, and she accumulated a following. Her passing is a doom of an era because she was the final surviving key cast member of Alice.

Polly Holliday's Cause of Death

Her longtime agent and pal Dennis Aspland said that Polly Holliday died after a fight with pneumonia. There are several sources which have verified that pneumonia and a history of various health problems led to her death. Although no medical evidence has yet been revealed, it is evident that she has been having weak health over the past years. Her passing is the end of the last surviving member of the original "Alice" cast and thus, bridging a great gap in the annals of television.

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Polly Holliday Medical History and Health Challenges

Pollly Holliday had long suffered from years of health complications before she died. Even though particular diseases were not actively popularised, her agent affirmed that she had been struggling with health issues long before, which eventually resulted in pneumonia. Polly, therefore, lived a simple and private life even after her health problems. She never got a husband or a child, only giving herself to her profession. Her health history is a demonstration of her strong will and power that she displayed during her long career and life.

At the age of 88, it is in itself a long life. Being very old, Holliday would be more susceptible to diseases, such as pneumonia, as would be the immune system of many elderly people. With age, small health-related problems may add up, making one less resilient. Her decades-long work in theatre, television, and film, plus public life, likely placed many stresses, though there is no suggestion that work itself caused her decline.

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Conclusion

Polly Holliday’s passing is felt deeply by fans, colleagues, and anyone who loved her role as Flo. She leaves behind a legacy marked by humour, sharp wit, and unforgettable performances. As stories of “Kiss my grits!” continue to be quoted, so too will her influence on comedy and television endure. In remembering her, we celebrate a life dedicated to art and a person who brought joy into many homes.