Vic Tayback played the stern proprietor and head chef of Mel’s Diner, while Polly Holliday played waitress Flo. The sitcom made “Kiss my grits” a catchphrase.
During its first two seasons, the show shifted about on the CBS schedule, but it was a smash until “All in the Family” debuted on Sunday evenings in October 1977.
For four of the next five seasons, it was among the top 10 primetime programs. It was named one of the greatest workplace comedy of all time by Variety magazine.
Soon after, in 1987, Lavin won a Tony Award for best actress in a play for her role in Neil Simon’s “Broadway Bound.” According to Deadline, which broke the news of her passing,
She was working as recently as this month to promote a new Netflix series called “No Good Deed,” in which she stars, and to shoot a new Hulu series called “Mid-Century Modern.”
After graduating from the College of William & Mary, Lavin, who was born and raised in Portland, Maine, relocated to New York City. She performed in both group performances and nightclubs.
