Iconic actress Polly Holliday passed away at the age of 88: how she became a star and what she died of
11 september 2025 в 16:13
Thanks to Polly Holliday, children of the 1970s and 80s grew up hearing the iconic phrase «Kiss my grits!» Almost 50 years after she made her mark in the film and television industry, Holliday passed away on September 9, 2025. She was 88 years old. Dennis Aspland, Holliday’s theatrical agent and friend, confirmed her death to The New York Times. The late star of «Alice» and «Parent Trap» kept much of her personal life out of the spotlight. But as fans mourn her passing, many want to know how she died.
Below, Hollywood Life remembers Holliday for her career, life, and explains how the beloved television icon passed away.
Holliday was born in Alabama and made her way to New York and Hollywood after showcasing her talent as a performer. A versatile star of stage, television, and film, she knew her dream was to become an actress after landing roles in her college’s theater department before becoming a professional at the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, where she worked for about ten years.
«I started acting long before I knew what I was doing», - she once told Actors' Equity. «At 19 and in my third year of 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, square dancer, and understudy for the lead. … This job paid for room and board and about $ 40 a week».
By the early 1970s, Holliday had moved to the Big Apple and performed at the Public Theater and on Broadway. She achieved her first major success in 1976 when she was cast as Flo Castleberry in the series «Alice». Thanks to her iconic performance — and, of course, her catchphrase «Kiss my grits!» — Holliday gradually landed roles in films like «All the President’s Men», - «Mrs. Doubtfire», - the 1998 «Parent Trap», - and the 1984 «Gremlins».
As reported by People, it is believed that Holliday passed away after a bout of pneumonia. The official cause of death was not disclosed at the time of publication.
Holliday never revealed any serious health issues throughout her life. After retiring from acting, she led a private life. However, according to People, the late actress suffered from pneumonia in her final days.
No, Holliday never married.
No, Holliday did not have any children. She focused on her career, telling People in 1980: «My work is my life»
Below, Hollywood Life remembers Holliday for her career, life, and explains how the beloved television icon passed away.
Holliday was born in Alabama and made her way to New York and Hollywood after showcasing her talent as a performer. A versatile star of stage, television, and film, she knew her dream was to become an actress after landing roles in her college’s theater department before becoming a professional at the Asolo Theatre in Sarasota, Florida, where she worked for about ten years.
«I started acting long before I knew what I was doing», - she once told Actors' Equity. «At 19 and in my third year of 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, square dancer, and understudy for the lead. … This job paid for room and board and about $ 40 a week».
By the early 1970s, Holliday had moved to the Big Apple and performed at the Public Theater and on Broadway. She achieved her first major success in 1976 when she was cast as Flo Castleberry in the series «Alice». Thanks to her iconic performance — and, of course, her catchphrase «Kiss my grits!» — Holliday gradually landed roles in films like «All the President’s Men», - «Mrs. Doubtfire», - the 1998 «Parent Trap», - and the 1984 «Gremlins».
As reported by People, it is believed that Holliday passed away after a bout of pneumonia. The official cause of death was not disclosed at the time of publication.
Holliday never revealed any serious health issues throughout her life. After retiring from acting, she led a private life. However, according to People, the late actress suffered from pneumonia in her final days.
No, Holliday never married.
No, Holliday did not have any children. She focused on her career, telling People in 1980: «My work is my life»
© Kolganov Andrey
