Susan Saint James, Star of 'McMillan & Wife' and 'Kate & Allie,' Dies at 80
The Emmy-winning actress, known for her iconic television roles, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Susan Saint James, the celebrated actress who captured audiences' hearts in the television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," has died at the age of 80. Her passing was confirmed by a representative, who stated that Saint James had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles on August 14, 1946, Saint James began her career in modeling before transitioning to acting. She landed a contract with Universal Studios and made her television debut in the 1966 film "Fame is the Name of the Game." Her role as Peggy Maxwell in the subsequent series "The Name of the Game" earned her an Emmy Award in 1969.
Saint James achieved widespread recognition for her role as Sally McMillan, the charming wife of Rock Hudson's character in the popular 1970s crime drama "McMillan & Wife." The series, which aired from 1971 to 1976, garnered her three Emmy nominations.
Following "McMillan & Wife," Saint James transitioned to film, appearing in movies such as "Love at First Bite" and "How to Beat the High Cost of Living." She later reunited with Jane Curtin for the 1980s sitcom "Kate & Allie," where she played the free-spirited Kate, earning two more Emmy nominations for her performance.
Beyond her acting career, Saint James experienced personal tragedy. Her youngest son, Teddy, died at age 14 in a 2004 plane crash. Her family noted in a statement that even in her deepest grief, she prioritized others, delivering her son's eulogy with messages of healing for her family.
Saint James married Dick Ebersol, a former chairman of NBC Sports, in 1981. The couple had three sons. Despite a period of separation and divorce filing, they reconciled.
After "Kate & Allie" concluded in 1989, Saint James stepped back from acting to focus on raising her younger children. She continued to engage in occasional guest appearances on television shows and pursued entrepreneurial ventures, including a baby gift basket business. She was also a dedicated supporter of the Special Olympics, serving on its board of directors.
Her family described her as someone who "never met a stranger" and possessed a remarkable ability to make everyone feel like the most important person in the room.