Susan Saint James, Star of 'Kate & Allie' and 'McMillan & Wife,' Dies at 80
The Emmy-winning actress passed away on Monday after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Susan Saint James, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in the television shows "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," died on Monday. She was 80 years old and had been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.
Saint James began her career in modeling before transitioning to television. Her early breakthrough came in 1968 with the role of Peggy Maxwell in "The Name of the Game," a performance that earned her a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969. She gained wider recognition as Sally McMillan, the wife of Rock Hudson’s character in the popular series "McMillan & Wife," which aired from 1971 to 1976.
She later achieved renewed success starring alongside Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom "Kate & Allie," which ran from 1984 to 1989.
Saint James's other acting credits include "Love at First Bite," "How to Beat the High Cost of Living," "MAS*H," "Law & Order: SVU," and "Suits."
In addition to her acting career, Saint James was married to NBC executive Dick Ebersol. The couple experienced a personal tragedy in 2004 when their 14-year-old son, Teddy, died in a private plane crash. A representative noted that even in grief, Saint James prioritized others, delivering Teddy's eulogy and reaching out to thank those who offered support.
After "Kate & Allie" concluded, Saint James largely stepped away from the entertainment industry to focus on her family and charitable work, including her long-standing involvement with the Special Olympics.
She is survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren, and her sister.