Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Favorite Fictional Character --- Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry

 

I had a different character in mind for this week’s Favorite Fictional Character post, but he’ll have to wait. Today, I want to honor one of the most unforgettable TV characters of the mid-1970s and early 1980s. I'm honestly surprised I haven’t featured her before—she’s a true cultural icon. I'm also saddened to be writing about her now because her portrayer, Polly Holliday, has passed away at the age of 88.

Florence Jean “Flo” Castleberry was my favorite character on Alice. Flo was loud, sassy, and knew exactly who she was. She didn’t tolerate Mel’s sexist behavior and wasn’t afraid to call him out. She challenged his greed, stood up for what was right, and had a heart big enough to take Alice under her wing. She was the kind of mother figure many of us would have welcomed with open arms.

I can easily imagine myself walking into Mel’s Diner, sitting at a booth with a slightly dingy menu, and falling absolutely in love with this outspoken waitress who gave both sass and heart. I’d sit there for hours, listening to Flo, Alice, and even Vera talk about their lives, laughing at their banter and feeling like part of something special. I know I’d enjoy every moment Flo told Mel off with her signature “Kiss my grits!” or even a “When donkeys fly!” If I had the chance, I’d become a regular—despite Mel.

Flo wasn’t just a character—she was a force. And Polly Holliday brought her to life with such charisma, warmth, and grit that she remains unforgettable to this day.

R.I.P. Polly Holliday.
You’ll be missed.


6 comments:

JaneGS said...

I was a huge fan of Flo myself, and I watched Alice faithfully. I was wondering if Polly Holliday played Flo in the movie, Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, so I searched it--she didn't but now I want to rewatch that movie!

Katherine P said...

This show was a bit before my time and my rerun watching from this era was kind of controlled by my grandmother who was more of a mystery fan (I am up on my Quincy and Murder, She Wrote trivia though) so I don't know this character at all. It sounds like I should find a few episodes and give them a watch as Flo sounds like a fun character. I think I saw somewhere she was an Alabama native so that gives me even more motive to watch as she's from my home state!

Ryan said...

I've never seen the movie, though it's on my list to watch.

Ryan said...

I do love Murder, She Wrote.

Literary Feline said...

Alice! I used to love that show (watched it in re-runs). Flo was the best.

Ryan said...

She really was.

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