A Facts of Life icon took to social media to share a heartbreaking tribute after learning the last surviving star of the beloved 1970s comedy series Alice, Polly Holliday, had died.
Nancy McKeon, who starred in The Facts of Life from 1980 through 1988, had a special connection to the Alice cast. Her brother, Philip McKeon, played Tommy Hyatt, the son of the lead character, on the series from 1976 through 1985.
Upon learning of the comedienne’s death on September 9 at the age of 88, McKeon took to Instagram to share her heartbreak and a black and white photo of Holliday with Philip taken on the set of the CBS comedy. The photo and the actresses’ commentary led to an emotional response from fans.
She wrote, “Dear sweet, amazingly talented Polly…you never do forget how someone treated you…grateful forever for your kindness. I know you’re laughing together again…much love.”
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McKeon’s Facts of Life castmate Mindy Cohn, who played Natalie Green on the NBC series, shared two heart emojis in response to her longtime friend’s post. Others shared their memories of how watching the series brought them great joy in the comments section.
Nancy McKeon’s fans expressed condolences
“The whole cast is reunited again. Hope there’s a Mel’s Diner in heaven,” wrote one follower. A second noted, “Such a huge part of my childhood, as were you Nancy. TV is not like it used to be. Miss the people.”
A third wrote, “She was amazing and so was your brother.” A fourth fan claimed, “I thought of you when I read of her passing. That cast was a huge part of my childhood. Rest easy, Polly, and tell ’em all to kiss your grits.”
Polly Holliday was the last surviving ‘Alice’ cast member
Extra TV reported that McKeon also utilized Instagram to remember both her brother and his TV mom, Linda Lavin, upon the actress’s death in late 2024. She shared a photo of her sibling and Lavin on social media with the caption, “Rest in peace Linda…look after each other.”
Previously, Vic Tayback, who played Mel’s Diner owner Mel Sharples, died in 1990 at 60 from a heart attack. Beth Howland, who played lovable waitress Vera, died in 2015 from lung cancer at 74.
McKeon, who played Alice’s son, died in 2019 at 55 after an illness, according to Page Six. A family spokesperson, Jeff Ballard, said in a statement, “We are all beyond heartbroken and devastated over Phil’s passing. His wonderful sense of humor, kindness, and loyalty will be remembered by all who crossed his path in life.”
Nancy McKeon recently appeared on the New York stage in the play Pen Pals. She lives in Texas with her husband, film technician Marc Andrus, and their two daughters.
This story was originally reported by Parade on Sep 12, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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