Hollywood is mourning the loss of Susan Saint James, the acclaimed actress who captured the hearts of television audiences through her memorable performances in Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife. The Emmy-winning star died on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Beyond her success on screen, Saint James was admired for her warmth, generosity, and lifelong dedication to helping others. Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned nearly six decades.
From Modeling to Television Stardom
Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles in 1946, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She began her professional journey as a model before pursuing opportunities in Hollywood at the age of 20.
Her breakthrough came with the television series The Name of the Game, where she played Peggy Maxwell. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969, establishing her as a rising talent in the entertainment industry.
She went on to star alongside Rock Hudson in the popular crime drama McMillan & Wife, portraying Sally McMillan, the wife of a San Francisco police commissioner. The series, which aired during the 1970s, became one of her most recognizable early television roles and earned her several Emmy nominations.
The Role That Made Her a Household Name
Although Saint James had already established herself as a talented television actress, she became particularly beloved for her portrayal of Kate McArdle in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie.
The series, which ran from 1984 to 1989, followed two divorced mothers who decided to share a home while raising their children together. Saint James starred opposite Jane Curtin, whose character, Allie Lowell, provided a contrasting personality to Kate’s independent and outspoken nature.
The show’s relatable portrayal of friendship, motherhood, and the challenges of raising children as a single parent resonated with audiences. Its popularity helped make Saint James a familiar face in households across America.
Her performance earned her additional Emmy nominations and cemented her place in television history.
Choosing Family Over Hollywood
Following the conclusion of Kate & Allie in 1989, Saint James gradually stepped away from the entertainment industry to devote more time to her family.
Despite her success, she believed that raising her children deserved her full attention during their formative years. Rather than continuing to pursue major Hollywood roles, she chose a quieter life away from the spotlight.
Although she largely retired from regular television work, she occasionally returned to acting, appearing in shows including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Suits, and Upload.
Her decision to prioritize her family reflected the values that many who knew her would later describe as central to her character.
A Love Story That Began on ‘Saturday Night Live’
Saint James met Dick Ebersol, a television executive who later became a prominent figure at NBC, while hosting Saturday Night Live in 1981. Their connection developed quickly, and the couple married just 42 days after meeting.
Together, they raised three sons: Charles, William, and Edward, affectionately known as Teddy. Saint James also had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her previous marriage to Tom Lucas.
Her family remained an important part of her life, and she often placed their needs ahead of her professional ambitions.
The Tragic Loss That Changed Her Life
In November 2004, Saint James and her family experienced a devastating tragedy when a private plane carrying her husband and two of their sons crashed during takeoff in Colorado.
Their youngest son, Teddy, was just 14 years old when he died in the accident. Dick Ebersol and their son Charles survived but sustained serious injuries.
The loss profoundly affected the family. Despite her own grief, Saint James sought to comfort her husband and children, demonstrating the compassion and resilience that those close to her admired.
At Teddy’s funeral, she delivered a deeply personal eulogy intended to help her surviving family members cope with their loss.
She also received thousands of condolence letters from people moved by the tragedy. In an extraordinary gesture of gratitude, she reportedly responded to approximately 15,000 of them with handwritten notes.
Her response to such a painful chapter of her life revealed a remarkable willingness to connect with others, even while navigating her own heartbreak.
A Lifelong Commitment to Special Olympics
Away from television, Saint James devoted significant time and energy to charitable work, particularly her involvement with Special Olympics.
Her association with the organization began in the late 1960s, and she later served on its international board. Through her advocacy and fundraising efforts, she helped support opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports and community activities.
Her charitable interests extended beyond Special Olympics. She also organized fundraising events and pursued several business ventures, including a radio station and a baby gifts and books business.
For Saint James, success was not measured solely by professional recognition. Giving back to the community and making a difference in other people’s lives remained important throughout her life.
In 2008, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry.
Celebrating Her 80th Birthday
In August 2026, Saint James celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and close friends.
The occasion was a meaningful celebration of her life, family, and the relationships she had built over the years. Her family later recalled how much she enjoyed the gathering, describing it as one of the most memorable celebrations of her life.
The milestone offered an opportunity to reflect on a journey that included professional success, personal challenges, family devotion, and decades of charitable service.
Remembering Susan Saint James
Susan Saint James leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond her television performances.
For many viewers, she will always be remembered as Kate McArdle from Kate & Allie or Sally McMillan from McMillan & Wife. For those who knew her personally, however, her kindness, generosity, and willingness to make others feel valued were equally defining qualities.
She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, her four surviving children, seven grandchildren, and her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey.
Her life was marked by memorable achievements, profound personal loss, and an enduring commitment to family and philanthropy.
As fans remember the actress who brought warmth, humor, and authenticity to their screens, her contributions to television and the lives she touched will remain part of her lasting legacy.
Rest in peace, Susan Saint James.
