Susan Saint James, known for her role in the hit sitcom "Kate & Allie," died on October 26 at the age of 80. Her cause of death has been confirmed as metastatic pancreatic cancer, according to a death certificate obtained by People.
Saint James' representative confirmed her passing on October 27, releasing a statement from her family. They remembered her as someone who was "generous with her time and energy," valuing kindness and looking out for others. The statement also noted her ability to make everyone she met feel like the most important person in the room, and that she "never met a stranger."
Her family's statement continued, "She brought that same fire and positivity to everything that followed, and never lost it." Saint James was diagnosed with cancer just months before her death.
She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, her four children—Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol—seven grandchildren, her sister Mary Mercedes Dewey, and her service dog, Lola.
Saint James, who was born in Los Angeles, began her acting career in the late 1960s. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sally McMillan in the drama "The Name of the Game" (1968-1971) and later starred as Charlene "Charlie" McClain in "McMillan & Wife" (1971-1977).
Her most iconic role came in the 1980s as one half of the titular duo in "Kate & Allie" (1984-1989), a comedy series about two divorced friends who share an apartment. The show earned her multiple Emmy nominations and cemented her status as a television icon.
Saint James also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June 2008.