From 1976 to 1985 Mel’s Diner was home to the sitcom “Alice,” though since the doors were closed I wonder what the staff and its regular customers have been doing.

Alice (Linda Lavin): During the run of “Alice” she was televisions highest paid sitcom star. After hanging up her apron she appeared in several Broadway plays and the sitcom “Room For Two” (1992) and “Conrad Bloom” (1998). She also operates a program to help young girls between the ages of 12-14 with self esteem issues to overcome their shyness and realize their full potential. After two failed marriages, her third is with actor, artist and musician Steve Bakunas. They reside in Wilmington, North Carolina and are active in the community theater. She has no biological children.

Mel (Vic Tayback): Before suffering a fatal heart attack in 1990, Tayback appeared in several stage productions and films, such as the animated “All Dogs Go To Heaven” (1989) for which he provided the voice of Carface. He left behind his wife since 1962, Sheila McKay Bernard, and their son Christopher. Tayback is buried at the Forest LawnBurial Park in Glendale, California.

Vera (Beth Howland): She made guest appearances on “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” and “The Tick.” Howland is married to actor Charlie Kimbrough and has a daughter, Carrie, from a previous marriage.

Flo (Polly Holiday): The expression, “Kiss my grits,” made her a favorite on “Alice” but her spinoff Flo was short lived. Holiday went on to appear in several stage productions, earning a Tony nomination for her role as Big Mama in “Cat on Hot Tin Roof” in 1990.

Film credits include “Mrs.Doubtfire,” “Gremlins,” “All the Presidents Men” and “The Client.” She also had a recurring role as a grandparent on “Home Improvement.”

Tommy (Philip McKeon): The son of “Alice” in the TV world, he’s the real life brother of actress Nancy McKeon (Facts of Life). He most recently appeared in the films “Sandman” (1993) and “Ghoulies IV” (1994). He was also a producer or director in the films “Teresa’s Tattoo” (1994), “Murder in the First” (1995) and “The Young Unknowns” (2000).

“Belle” (Diane Ladd): In the movie “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,” Ladd was nominated for an Academy award for her role as Flo and was brought in to replace Holiday as a southern belle waitress for 1980-81. She has remained busy, appearing in several films including “Wild at Heart” and “Rambling Rose” with her daughter Laura Dern. Her credits also include “Christmas Vacation,” “28 Days” and “The World’s Fastest Indian.”

She also wrote a book “Spiraling Through the School of Life.” On her third marriage, Ladd is wed to Charles Hunter with which she formed a production company Exxcell Entertainment Inc., which produces documentary and feature films.

Jolene (Celia Weston): Ladd was only on the series for one season, which led to the arrival of another southern belle, Jolene, who remained for the final four years. She has continued getting roles with her charm, appearing in films such as “Dead Man Walking,” “Flirting with Disaster,” “How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days” and “Junebug.”

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