Sitcoms have earned a special place in the world of classic television, and one gem that continues
to charm audiences even decades later is Alice. This beloved show graced the small screen from
1976 to 1985, creating a timeless legacy that remains etched in the hearts of its many fans.
Alice centered around the life of its titular character, portrayed
by the talented Linda Lavin. Recently widowed, Alice Hyatt found herself in
the role of a single mother, navigating the challenges of raising her son, Tommy,
while making ends meet as a waitress at Mel's Place, a greasy spoon diner in Phoenix, Arizona.
The cast of characters in Alice was a delightful ensemble that added depth
and humor to the show. One standout character was Flo Castleberry, brought to life by the
incomparable Polly Holliday. Flo, a no-nonsense waitress with a distinct Southern drawl,
quickly became an audience favorite. Her catchphrase "Kiss my grits!" and
her straightforward personality added a dose of comedic flair that made her truly unforgettable.
What set Alice apart from other sitcoms was its ability to seamlessly blend lighthearted comedy
with thought-provoking social issues. Over the course of its nine-season run and 202 episodes,
the show masterfully tackled topics such as friendship,
love, challenging family dynamics, and the struggles of everyday life. It struck the
perfect balance between entertainment and relevance, ensuring that viewers were not
only entertained but also touched by the stories they witnessed on screen.
But behind the scenes, there was a surprising turn of events that
drastically affected the course of the series. In this video,
we'll explore the unexpected story behind Flo's departure from the show.
Discover the intriguing reasons that led to this unexpected twist and the ripple effects
it had on the series. Join us as we delve into the behind-the-scenes drama and uncover the unforeseen
factors that forever changed the dynamic of Alice, leaving fans both shocked and intrigued.
Facts Verse Presents: Why Flo Left the Alice TV Show and She Never Returned.
How Polly Became Flo
Before we discuss her departure from Alice, we thought it would be beneficial to briefly
fill you in on Polly Holiday’s early life and rise to fame.
Polly Dean Holliday, born on July 2, 1937, in Jasper, Alabama,
embarked on a relatively remarkable journey before she became widely known as the beloved
Flo on "Alice." She was the daughter of Ernest Holliday, a truck driver,
and Velma Mabel. Initially, Holliday pursued a career in music and education,
teaching piano and music in elementary schools in her home state of Alabama.
While she certainly had an ear for music and an aptitude for education, Holliday also felt a
strong calling for acting, prompting her to shift her focus and explore the world of theater. After
considering her options and weighing them against her dreams, she made a bold move
and relocated to Sarasota, Florida, where she joined the prestigious Asolo Repertory Company.
As part of the largest repertory theater in the Southeastern United States, Holliday honed her
craft and gained invaluable experience. Over the course of a decade, she established an
impressive repertoire of stage performances, showcasing her talent and versatility.
With her passion and dedication fueling her ambitions, Holliday set her sights on the
vibrant theater scene in New York City. It was there that she began to make her mark,
securing roles in various stage productions. One notable achievement was her involvement in the
1974 Broadway hit "All Over Town," which further solidified her reputation as a talented actress.
During this time, Holliday formed a close friendship with the renowned actor and director,
Dustin Hoffman, who recognized her talent and potential. Thanks to his support,
Holliday landed a small yet memorable role as Ned Beatty's resilient and tough-minded secretary
in the critically acclaimed 1976 film "All the President's Men". This pivotal moment on the big
screen contributed to shaping Holliday's on-screen persona as a woman of remarkable presence.
It was her remarkable talent and magnetic screen presence that ultimately led to one
of the most cherished sitcoms of the 1970s - "Alice." With her endearing portrayal of Flo,
the no-nonsense and quick-witted waitress,
Holliday enchanted audiences and became an integral part of the show's initial success.
Flo’s Farewell
Flo's departure from "Alice" occurred in the series' fourth season. The specific episode
that marked her exit is titled "Flo's Farewell," which aired on February 24, 1980. In this episode,
the storyline revolved around Flo decision to leave Mel's Place to pursue new opportunities.
The departure of Flo was explained in the episode as her receiving a job offer to become the head
hostess at a high-class restaurant in Houston, Texas. This unanticipated opportunity compelled
her to bid farewell to her colleagues and the regular customers at Mel's Place. The
remainder of this emotional episode focused on the bittersweet moments shared between Flo and
the other characters as they expressed their love and appreciation for her.
While she expressed her intention to take that job in Houston,
Flo ultimately wound up getting sidetracked and instead opened up her own establishment. This
premise ended up serving as the premise for the short-lived spin-off series aptly titled "Flo".
Flo Floundered
Flo, the "Alice" spin-off sitcom, featured Polly Holliday in its lead role. Premiering on March 24,
1980, the series, generally speaking, enjoyed success, consistently ranking in the Top 20
throughout its run. However, despite the fact that it seemingly did quite well with viewers, it was
ultimately unceremoniously canceled at the end of its second season on July 2, 1981.
The plot of the spin-off revolved around Flo's post-departure from Mel's Diner. After leaving
her job as a waitress, Flo embarked on a new adventure as a restaurant hostess in Houston,
Texas. However, while on her way, Flo stopped in her hometown of Cowtown,
Texas, and impulsively purchased a rundown old roadhouse that held nostalgic memories for her.
Renaming it "Flo's Yellow Rose," she set out to restore the establishment to its former glory.
The series showcased Flo's efforts to manage the business, which came with its fair share of
challenges. The conflicts she encountered included dealing with a chauvinistic bartender named Earl,
portrayed by Geoffrey Lewis, and an obnoxious banker named Farley, played by Jim B. Baker,
who held the mortgage. Additionally, Flo faced thorny family dynamics,
contending with her burdensome mother Velma,
portrayed by Sudie Bond, and her strait-laced sister Fran, portrayed by Lucy Lee Flippin.
Flo's Yellow Rose also had a colorful staff. Her childhood best friend Miriam, played by Joyce
Bulifant, served as a waitress and bookkeeper. The chain-smoking piano player, Les, was portrayed by
Stephen Keep. Other recurring characters included Randy, the mechanic from the adjacent garage,
portrayed by Leo Burmester, and Chester, a regular customer, played by Mickey Jones.
While the spin-off initially found success as a mid-season replacement,
airing on Monday nights in March and April 1980, it gradually faced challenges. The
show's time slot was moved several times upon its return in the fall of 1980,
leading to declining ratings. Ultimately, Flo concluded its run after a total of 29 episodes.
Despite its cancellation, Flo's character never returned to "Alice" except for the use of her
image in old clips featured in the series finale. The spin-off showcased Polly Holliday's talent
and the popularity of her character, but various factors, including the aforementioned time slot
changes and declining ratings, contributed to the show's ultimate discontinuation.
Holiday Moved On
After leaving "Alice," Polly Holliday continued on with her acting career,
exploring both television and film opportunities. As we already mentioned, she did not return to
"Alice" and was briefly replaced by Diane Ladd as Flo, later followed by Celia Weston in the role.
In the early 1980s, Holliday made two brief returns to series work. She was cast as a
replacement for Eileen Brennan on CBS's "Private Benjamin" in 1981 after Brennan suffered a severe
car accident. Unfortunately, the show was canceled before Holliday could film more than
three episodes. Holliday also starred as a tough but fair prison guard in the ABC sitcom adaptation
of "Stir Crazy" which aired from 1985 to 1986 and was based on the 1980 comedy film starring Gene
Wilder and Richard Pryor. However, that show, too, was discontinued after only four months.
While successful television roles post-Alice seemed to keep alluding her,
Holliday found greater success as a character actress in feature films,
where she showcased her talent in various roles. She notably portrayed the mean-spirited Mrs.
Deagle in the 1984 film "Gremlins," a role that saw her meet a fittingly nasty fate. She also
drew laughs as Sally Field's nosy neighbor in the 1993 comedy hit "Mrs. Doubtfire",
portrayed JoBeth Williams' Southern mother on the 1995 CBS series "The Client", played
the head of a summer camp in the 1998 remake of "The Parent Trap" starring Lindsay Lohan,
and appeared as Patricia Richardson's mother on the popular ABC sitcom "Home Improvement”.
Aside from her television and film work, Holliday found a home on the stage. She frequently
portrayed impressive matriarchs and formidable women of a certain age. Holliday notably appeared
in a 1986 revival of "Arsenic and Old Lace," playing one of the murderous yet kind-hearted
Brewster sisters. Her performance as Big Mama in a 1990 production of "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" earned
her a Tony nomination. She also participated in significant productions such as the 1994 revival
of "Picnic" and "The Time of the Cuckoo" at the Lincoln Center in 2000. Holliday's talent also
extended to public speaking engagements and guest lectures for acting students across the country.
More recently, in 2010, Holliday returned to dramatic fare, portraying the fiercely
loyal grandmother of CIA operative Valerie Plame, played by Naomi Watts,
in the film "Fair Game." Now, aged 85, Holiday seems to have finally retired
from acting. Throughout her career, Polly Holliday showcased her versatility as an actress, leaving
a lasting impression in both television and film with her memorable performances and notable roles.
That’s about all we have for you today, but before you move on to watching another one
of our facts-packed videos, we’d love to hear from you! What is your fondest memory of Flo's
character in "Alice"? And how do you think her departure impacted the dynamic of the show? Let
us know in the comments. And as always, thanks for watching!