We have sad news to pass along as actress Polly Holliday passed away at the age of 88 earlier this week. She was best recognized for her role as the sharp-tongued waitress Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry on the 1970s sitcom Alice. Her character’s signature catchphrase, “Kiss my grits!”, remains the most iconic line from the series.
In 1984 Holliday landed the role of Mrs. Ruby Deagle, the town’s wealthy, mean-spirited landlord in Gremlins. Mrs. Deagle’s death in the film remains one of the most memorable from the franchise. Holliday would go on to win the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for the role.
In addition to Gremlins and Alice, Holliday appeared as the titular character in Flo, appeared in Private Benjamin, The Client, Home Improvement, Mrs. Doubtfire, The Parent Trap, and All the President’s Men.
The staff of Horror News Network send our deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ms. Holliday.
