Jane Curtin Honors Late "Kate & Allie" Co-Star Susan Saint James
Curtin remembers Saint James as a "decent person" and "friend" after her death at 80.
Jane Curtin has paid tribute to her "Kate & Allie" co-star and friend Susan Saint James, who died of cancer at the age of 80.
"We lost a decent person today," Curtin said in a statement to Page Six. "Susan St. James was a decent person who made ‘Kate and Allie’ a joy. She juggled a really full life from the Ed Sullivan Theater in between working on stage and being the Mom on set."
Curtin, 79, added that Saint James "worked tirelessly for organizations she believed in like the Special Olympics" while also raising her children. She referred to Saint James' youngest son, Teddy, who died in a private jet crash at the age of 14 in 2004. "Susan was my friend, and working with her brought such laughter, community and family to the stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater. I’ll miss her."
Saint James and Curtin starred together in the 1980s television series "Kate & Allie," where they portrayed two divorced mothers who move in together with their children. Saint James received two Emmy nominations for her role as Kate McArdle.
Saint James' spokesperson confirmed her death, stating that the actress was generous with her time and energy, instinctively drawn to those who needed support. The spokesperson added, "She never met a stranger. Every person she met became the most important person in the room at that moment, from a fellow board member to the clerk at the shoe store, who usually walked away knowing her entire life story."
James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, and their children: Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol.