Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'Kate & Allie,' Dies at 80
The beloved television actress passed away following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy of iconic comedic and dramatic roles.
Susan Saint James, the celebrated actress widely known for her starring roles in the hit television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," has died at the age of 80. Her death on October 26 followed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, according to statements shared by her family with People magazine.
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Saint James began her career as a teenager modeling in Paris. Upon returning to Los Angeles at age 20, she secured a contract with Universal Studios and quickly transitioned to television. She earned her first Emmy Award in 1969 for her work as research assistant Peggy Maxwell in the crime drama series "The Name of the Game."
Saint James achieved widespread fame in the 1970s co-starring alongside Rock Hudson as Sally McMillan in the NBC crime series "McMillan & Wife." Her performance earned her three Emmy nominations. Following a contract dispute that led to her departure from the show before its final season, she appeared in several feature films, including "Outlaw Blues," "Love at First Bite," and "Carbon Copy."
In the 1980s, Saint James returned to television to co-star with Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom "Kate & Allie." The series, which aired from 1984 to 1989, focused on two childhood friends raising their children together in a Greenwich Village brownstone. Her portrayal of the free-spirited Kate brought her two additional Emmy nominations for outstanding lead actress in a comedy series.
When "Kate & Allie" concluded, Saint James largely stepped away from acting to focus on raising her children. Beyond her entertainment career, she was an active philanthropist and a dedicated supporter of the Special Olympics, serving on its board of directors and volunteering her time extensively.
Saint James's personal life included her marriage in November 1981 to Dick Ebersol, the former Saturday Night Live executive producer and head of NBC Sports. The couple shared a deep partnership, though they faced profound tragedy in 2004 when their 14-year-old son, Teddy, was killed in a private plane crash in Colorado that also claimed the lives of two crew members while Ebersol and another son, Charlie, survived with serious injuries.
In the wake of the tragedy, Saint James drew praise for her resilience and her ability to comfort her family, delivering her son's eulogy and focusing on moving forward rather than harboring resentment. Her family remembered her selflessness and warmth, stating that she never met a stranger and made everyone she encountered feel valued.
Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, and her children, along with an extended family that includes her niece, actress Christa Miller.