Lindsay Lohan & Nancy Meyers are mourning the loss of “Parent Trap” star Polly Holliday, who died at 88. The actress, known for her iconic television & film roles, passed away at her New York City home, reportedly from pneumonia. Her agent and longtime friend Dennis Aspland confirmed the news to The New York Times.
Emotional Instagram Messages Highlight ‘Parent Trap’ Memories
Lohan, 39, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Oh my goodness. 💔 what a beautiful woman inside & out. God bless & RIP Polly 🙏❤️🪽,” she wrote on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Meyers, 75, who wrote & directed the 1998 family film “Parent Trap,” also paid tribute. “So sad to hear of Polly Holliday’s passing. She was so kind and game and just wonderful in every moment in ‘Parent Trap,'” she wrote, posting a photo of Holliday acting alongside Lohan.
Meyers added, “I just saw her the other night in ‘All The President’s Men.’ She was fantastic in that film. My condolences to her loved ones & friends.”
Lisa Ann Walter, 62, another ‘Parent Trap’ star, commented, recalling Holliday’s role in both “All The President’s Men” & “Parent Trap.” “She was wonderful and of course also [in] the ‘Parent Trap.’ RIP Polly,” Walter wrote.
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with condolences, remembering Holliday for her warmth, talent, and memorable performances. Lohan’s post highlighted the personal impact Holliday had on her co-stars.
Career Milestones: From “Alice” to “Parent Trap” & Other Major Films
Holliday rose to fame in the late 1970s on the sitcom “Alice,” earning three Emmy nominations. She also appeared in films including “Gremlins,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Moon Over Parador,” “Mr. Wrong,” “W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings,” and “The Heartbreak Kid.” In “Gremlins,” she played Ruby Deagle, a wealthy widow who meets a grisly end on a tampered stair-lift chair.
In “Parent Trap,” Holliday played Marva Kulp, Sr., the camp owner whom Hallie & Annie meet. Walter appeared as Hallie’s nanny Chessy, while Lohan starred as the twins.
Holliday’s early theater work included a 1972 performance in the New York Shakespeare Festival production of Alice Childress’ “Wedding Band.” She credited her theater background and family experiences for her grounded, relatable performances. Reflecting on her iconic character Flo, Holliday said, “People assumed that because Flo was very big, Linda must have had her nose out of joint. Well, Linda’s a bigger person than that.”
Awards, Broadway & Legacy: Remembering a Beloved Actress
(Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)Polly Holliday leaves behind a lasting legacy as a beloved actress whose work spanned television, film, and theater. From her Emmy-nominated role on “Alice” to her memorable performance in “Parent Trap” and appearances in movies like “Gremlins” & “Mrs. Doubtfire,” Holliday brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to every role.
Fans, co-stars, and Hollywood peers continue to honor her contributions, celebrating the laughter and joy she shared with audiences for decades.
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