Linda Lavin = Kate Jackson. The star around whom the show (https://web.archive.org/web/20140405003316/http://forums.televisionwithoutpity.com/topic/3001138-alice-kiss-flos-grits/?view=getnewpost) was developed. Beth Howland = Jaclyn Smith. The one who kept her head down and did her thing for the whole run. Polly Holliday = Farrah Fawcett. The breakout star who made an early departure. Diane Ladd = Combination of Cheryl Ladd and Shelley Hack. Same last name, but gone after only one season. Celia Weston = Tanya Roberts. The one who showed up for the decline (https://web.archive.org/web/20061031125335/http://www.jumptheshark.com/a/alice.htm). Vic Tayback = David Doyle. The token male.