Alice

"Alice" is a beloved American sitcom that graced television screens from August 31, 1976, to March 19, 1985, airing on CBS. Based on the critically acclaimed 1974 film "Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore," the show delves into the life of Alice Hyatt, portrayed by the talented Linda Lavin. After the tragic loss of her husband, Alice embarks on a brave new journey, relocating with her young son to the sunny outskirts of Phoenix, Arizona. In her pursuit of independence and a fresh start, she secures a job at Mel's Diner, a lively roadside eatery that becomes the heart of her new life.

The series primarily unfolds within the charming yet chaotic atmosphere of Mel's Diner, where Alice navigates the challenges of single motherhood while juggling the quirky dynamics of the diner staff. One of the central characters is Mel Sharples, played by Vic Tayback, who is the cantankerous but well-meaning owner of the diner. The interactions between Alice and Mel often provide comedic relief, highlighting the complexities of their working relationship. Through a rich tapestry of engaging storylines, the show also features a memorable cast of characters, including Alice's friends and co-workers, who each bring their unique flair to the diner setting.

Throughout its nine-season run, "Alice" became a staple of American television, celebrated for its comedic yet heartfelt exploration of themes such as friendship, resilience, and finding one's place in the world. The show resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on pop culture, thanks to its relatable characters and engaging story arcs that reflected the trials and triumphs of everyday life. The blend of humor and emotional depth, anchored by Linda Lavin's exceptional performance, ensured that "Alice" remains a cherished classic, cherished by fans even decades after it concluded.

Full Cast of Alice

Linda Lavin's portrayal of Alice Hyatt in the hit television series "Alice" remains a standout performance in the landscape of American sitcoms. As the titular character, Lavin brought a distinctive blend of warmth, resilience, and vivaciousness to the screen, capturing the hearts of viewers from the show's debut in 1976. Alice Hyatt is a widowed singer who, while traveling to Los Angeles to restart her music career, finds herself working as a waitress at Mel's Diner in Phoenix, Arizona. Lavin's Alice is the emotional anchor of the series, navigating the quirky dynamics of her colleagues—including the brash, sarcastic Flo (played by Polly Holliday) and the gruff, ill-tempered Mel (Vic Tayback)—with a mix of grace, wit, and a steadfast sense of humor. Her character's journey resonated with audiences, as she balanced the demands of her job, single motherhood, and her aspirations, all while delivering songs with her characteristically expressive voice. Lavin's nuanced performance, which earned her two Golden Globe awards and a Tony for her stage work, showcased her exceptional comedic timing as well as her ability to convey depth and empathy, making Alice Hyatt an enduring and beloved figure in the history of television.

Vic Tayback's portrayal of Mel Sharples in the beloved television sitcom "Alice" was a cornerstone of the show's enduring charm. As the gruff yet big-hearted owner and short-order cook of Mel's Diner, Tayback brought a distinctive blend of toughness and tenderness to the character. His on-screen presence was commanding, often delivering sharp, sarcastic one-liners with impeccable timing, yet he also managed to convey a deep sense of camaraderie and protectiveness towards his eccentric staff and regular customers. Tayback's Mel was the epitome of a blue-collar American everyman, grappling with the everyday challenges of running a business while navigating the quirky dynamics of his makeshift family at the diner. His chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly with Linda Lavin's Alice, was electric, and their interactions formed the backbone of the series' humor and warmth. Tayback's performance was so authentic and relatable that he became an iconic figure in American television, earning an Emmy nomination and ensuring that Mel Sharples would be remembered as one of the most lovable and complex characters of the era.

Beth Howland's portrayal of Vera Louise Gorman-Novak in the hit television series "Alice" is a standout performance that brings a unique blend of humor and heart to the ensemble cast. As the scatterbrained and lovable waitress at Mel's Diner, Howland's Vera is characterized by her high-pitched voice, infectious giggle, and endearing naivety. Her frequent malapropisms and earnest misunderstandings regularly provide comedic relief, yet Howland manages to imbue the character with a touching vulnerability that endears Vera to the audience. Despite her occasional klutziness and zany misadventures, Vera's unwavering optimism and kind spirit shine through, often serving as a gentle counterbalance to the more cynical characters in the diner. Howland's nuanced performance ensures that Vera is not just a caricature, but a fully realized character with her own dreams and struggles, making her a beloved figure in the pantheon of American television sitcoms.

Polly Holliday's portrayal of Florence Jean "Flo" Castleberry in the television series "Alice" is a standout performance that infused the show with a distinctive blend of sass and warmth. As the world-weary, sharp-tongued waitress at Mel's Diner, Flo became an iconic character, largely due to Holliday's skillful embodiment of her no-nonsense attitude and her ability to deliver memorable one-liners with impeccable timing. Her interactions with the other characters, particularly her sparring with the curmudgeonly Mel Sharples, played by Vic Tayback, provided some of the series' most humorous and endearing moments. Holliday's performance was so beloved that it led to a spin-off series, "Flo," which further showcased her talent for bringing depth and likability to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional in lesser hands. Polly Holliday's Flo, with her signature catchphrase "Kiss my grits," remains a testament to her ability to create a character that resonated with audiences and left an indelible mark on television history.

Celia Weston's portrayal of Jolene Hunnicutt in the television series "Alice" is a standout performance that brings a vibrant and endearing warmth to the ensemble cast. As the friendly and vivacious waitress at Mel's Diner, Weston's Jolene is a beacon of Southern charm and hospitality, often serving as the heart of the group. Her character is known for her optimistic outlook, empathetic nature, and her ability to diffuse tense situations with a kind word or a comforting smile. Weston imbues Jolene with a authenticity that resonates with audiences, skillfully balancing the character's personal struggles with her role as a supportive friend to the show's protagonist, Alice. Whether she's offering sage advice, singing country tunes, or simply sharing in the daily trials and triumphs of diner life, Weston's performance is consistently engaging, making Jolene an integral and much-loved character in the "Alice" series.

Philip McKeon endeared himself to audiences with his portrayal of Tommy Hyatt on the beloved CBS television series "Alice," which aired from 1976 to 1985. As the young, often mischievous son of the titular character, McKeon brought a blend of youthful energy and genuine warmth to the role. His performances were marked by an innate ability to deliver witty one-liners with impeccable timing, while also conveying the sincere and sometimes tumultuous emotional journey of a child growing up in a single-parent household. McKeon's chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly with Linda Lavin who played his mother Alice, was a cornerstone of the show's charm. His portrayal of Tommy was that of a character who was both relatable and aspirational to young viewers, embodying the resilience and optimism of youth, and his evolution over the series' nine-season run showcased McKeon's range as an actor. His performance resonated with fans and critics alike, making Tommy Hyatt one of the most memorable and beloved characters of 1970s and 80s television.

Crew of Alice