Susan Saint James, the beloved Emmy-winning actress best known for her roles in Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, has died at the age of 80.
A representative confirmed her passing to PEOPLE, revealing that the actress died on Monday following a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Her death marks the end of a remarkable life that included decades of success in Hollywood, a loving family, and years of dedication to charitable causes. But beyond her television career, those closest to her remembered something even more special: her extraordinary kindness.
Her Family Remembers Her Beautiful Heart
In a heartfelt statement shared with PEOPLE, Saint James’ family remembered her as someone who always put others first.
They described her as generous with her time and energy, explaining that helping people brought her more happiness than money ever could.
She also made sure to pass those values on to her children.
“She taught her children to pause, be kind and look out for other people,” her family shared.
They also remembered her remarkable ability to connect with everyone she encountered.
“She never met a stranger,” they said, explaining that every person she met felt important in her presence, whether it was a close friend or someone working at a local store.
Her Early Life and Journey to Hollywood
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Saint James spent part of her childhood in Illinois.
She began working as a model during her teenage years before eventually moving to Hollywood at around 20 to pursue her dream of becoming an actress.
Her career started gaining attention in the late 1960s when she landed a role in the television crime drama The Name of the Game.
She portrayed Peggy Maxwell, a research assistant whose performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969 for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series.
That achievement helped establish her as one of television’s promising young actresses.
The Success of ‘McMillan & Wife’
In 1971, Saint James took another major step in her career when she starred opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife.
She played Sally McMillan, the intelligent and charming wife of San Francisco police commissioner Stewart “Mac” McMillan.
The mystery series became a popular NBC television program throughout the 1970s.
Her chemistry with Hudson helped make their characters one of television’s memorable couples, while her performance earned her several additional Emmy nominations.
During this period, she also appeared in movies including Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows, Outlaw Blues, Love at First Bite, and How to Beat the High Cost of Living.
‘Kate & Allie’ Made Her a Household Name
More than a decade later, Saint James found another major television success with the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie.
The series premiered in 1984 and starred Saint James as Kate McArdle alongside Jane Curtin as Allie Lowell.
The story followed two divorced women who decided to share a home in New York City while raising their children together.
At a time when television often portrayed more traditional family structures, the sitcom explored friendship, single motherhood, divorce, and the importance of women supporting one another.
Audiences connected with the characters, and the show became a hit, running for six seasons before ending in 1989.
Saint James received several Emmy nominations for her portrayal of Kate, making the role one of the most recognizable achievements of her career.
A Devoted Wife, Mother, and Philanthropist
After Kate & Allie ended, Saint James gradually stepped away from full-time acting.
Although she occasionally returned to television, she increasingly devoted her time to her family and charitable activities.
In 1981, she married television executive and longtime NBC Sports executive Dick Ebersol. Their marriage lasted more than four decades.
However, their family experienced an unimaginable tragedy in 2004 when their 14-year-old son, Teddy Ebersol, was killed in a plane crash in Colorado.
The devastating loss changed their lives forever. Saint James and her husband later worked to honor Teddy’s memory through charitable efforts.
Despite the heartbreak, she continued finding ways to support others and contribute to her community.
The Family She Leaves Behind
Saint James’ family remembered her as someone who never lost the optimism, determination, and positive spirit that had defined her throughout her life.
They said she carried that same energy into everything she did and never stopped encouraging the people around her.
She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol; her children, Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol; seven grandchildren; and her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey.
Her beloved service dog, Lola, was also an important part of her family.
Susan Saint James will be remembered not only for the unforgettable characters she brought to television screens, but also for the kindness, generosity, and love she shared throughout her life.
Her family hopes that beyond her Hollywood achievements, people will remember the simple but powerful lesson she lived by: making everyone feel seen, valued, and important.
Her legacy will continue through her work, her family, and the countless lives she touched.