LOS ANGELES – Susan Saint James, a beloved actress known for her roles in classic television series, has passed away at the age of 80. She co-starred with Rock Hudson in the 1970s crime series “McMillan & Wife” and later appeared alongside Jane Curtin in the 1980s sitcom “Kate & Allie.” Her family confirmed her death, stating that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
According to a statement from her family shared with People magazine, “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.”
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in Rockford, Illinois. Her journey into the world of entertainment began when she started modeling as a teenager in Paris. At just 20 years old, she returned to Los Angeles and signed a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, leading to her television debut in the 1966 movie “Fame is the Name of the Game” alongside Tony Franciosa.
Her big break came in 1968 with the series “The Name of the Game,” where she played Peggy Maxwell, a research assistant working for three rotating leads. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969, marking the beginning of a successful career in television.
Before her rise to fame, Saint James had a recurring role in the series “It Takes a Thief” starring Robert Wagner, and she appeared in various other shows, including “Ironside” and “McCloud.” Known for her distinct voice, she also featured in the 1968 film “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.”
Breakout Role in ‘McMillan & Wife’
Saint James gained widespread recognition as Sally McMillan, the spirited wife of police commissioner Stewart McMillan, played by Rock Hudson, in “McMillan & Wife,” which aired from 1971 to 1976. Her role earned her three Emmy nominations, showcasing her talent to a broader audience.
Despite her success, she left the show before its final season due to a contract dispute, with her character being written off in a plane crash. Following this, she turned her focus to movies, starring alongside Peter Fonda in “Outlaw Blues” and appearing in comedies like “Love at First Bite” and “How to Beat the High Cost of Living.”
In 1984, Saint James reunited with Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom “Kate & Allie,” which ran until 1989 and earned her two more Emmy nominations, solidifying her status as a TV comedy star.
Personal Life and Legacy
While guest-hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 1981, she met Dick Ebersol, the show’s executive producer. The couple married shortly after meeting and had three sons together: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy. Tragically, Teddy died in a plane crash in 2004, an event that left a profound impact on Saint James and her family. Despite this tragedy, her family shared that she focused on supporting her loved ones, even delivering her son’s eulogy as a message of healing.
Saint James and Ebersol faced challenges in their marriage, including a brief separation, but they reconciled and expressed their happiness together. Ebersol later described her as “the greatest partner I’ve ever had by far” in his memoir.
After “Kate & Allie” concluded, Saint James chose to retire from acting to focus on her family in Litchfield, Connecticut. She made occasional guest appearances on shows like “The Drew Carey Show” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” Additionally, she co-founded a baby gift basket business with a focus on books, showing her entrepreneurial spirit.
A passionate supporter of the Special Olympics, Saint James dedicated her time to volunteering and serving on its board of directors. She is survived by her husband, children, and her niece, who shares a similar look to her and appeared on “Kate & Allie.”
Susan Saint James will be remembered not only for her contributions to television and film but also for her warm personality and the love she shared with those around her.
