Let’s talk about a classic TV series that left an indelible mark on pop culture: Alice! This beloved sitcom, which first hit our screens in 1976, turned Diane Ladd, Linda Lavin, Polly Holliday, Beth Howland, and Celia Weston into household names. As we revisit this iconic show, it’s fascinating to hear how it impacted the lives of its cast members both personally and professionally. For Linda Lavin, playing Alice Hyatt—a widow raising her young son while working as a waitress—was more than just a role. It became a catalyst for her involvement in the women’s movement.
“I started getting invited to speak at events,” Linda shared in an interview with The Los Angeles Times back in December 2013. “It was completely unexpected because I’d never spoken publicly before. I was known primarily as a musical comedy actress. Suddenly, I was being asked to appear at labor rallies and Equal Rights Amendment marches. It opened my eyes to so many important issues. I even had the opportunity to join the National Commission on Working Women. That’s the power of television—it can spark change in ways you never imagine.”
Bringing Real Issues to Life on Screen
Linda’s career skyrocketed during her time on Alice, and she relished the chance to address real-world issues through her character. “There was one episode where Mel, the diner owner, hires a male waiter and pays him more than us,” she recalled. “I rallied my fellow waitresses, Flo and Vera, and declared we were going on strike. It wasn’t just entertainment—it was a chance to highlight the struggles women faced in the workplace. These moments made the show resonate with audiences in a meaningful way.”
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Diane Ladd’s Unique Journey
While Linda’s experience on Alice was transformative, Diane Ladd’s journey took a slightly different path. She originally played Flo in the movie version of the show, Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore. However, when Polly Holliday stepped into the role of the unforgettable waitress, Diane found herself cast as Isabelle. In a 1980 interview with The Desert Sun, Diane revealed her creative approach to her character.
“I wanted to bring something unique to the show that I did in the movie,” Diane explained. “In the film, I wore a cross made out of safety pins. Since I couldn’t repeat that, I asked the prop department to create a new one by soldering together a bunch of pennies. It’s a small detail, but it adds depth to the character. I always wear a cross of some kind—it’s become a signature look for me.”
A Mother’s Dedication
As a three-time Oscar nominee, Diane could have chosen any project she wanted. But she decided to take on this role for a very personal reason. “I did it for my daughter, Laura Dern,” she admitted. “At the time, she was 13 years old, and I knew I needed stability in my life. I wanted to be there for her, to have a regular schedule, and avoid traveling too much. This job offered me that security. Laura must be incredibly proud of her mom for making such a thoughtful decision.”
Ready to dive deeper? Scroll below to discover what happened to the cast of Alice after the show wrapped!
