Susan Saint James, ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife’ Star, Dies at 80
Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress remembered for her performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, has died at the age of 80. Her death was reported on October 27, 2026, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, according to reports citing her representative and family.
Saint James built a television career that spanned decades, earning recognition for her lively screen presence, comedic talent and memorable performances in several popular American television series. Beyond acting, she was known for her dedication to her family and her longstanding involvement with Special Olympics.
Susan Saint James Dies at 80 After Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis
The actress died on Monday, October 26, according to reporting by People magazine and the Associated Press. Her family remembered her as a person who made others feel valued, whether she was meeting a longtime colleague or someone she had just encountered.
In a statement shared with People, her family described how she connected with people from all walks of life. They recalled that she had a rare ability to make every person she met feel like the most important person in the room.
The family also reflected on her strength following the death of her youngest son, Teddy, who was killed in a private plane crash in Colorado on November 28, 2004. In the weeks following the tragedy, Saint James delivered his eulogy in a deeply personal way, writing it as a message to her husband and other children.
Her family's tribute highlighted the compassion and optimism she continued to show even after experiencing profound personal loss.
Her Breakthrough Role in ‘The Name of the Game’
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She began working as a model while she was young before moving into television acting.
Her career gained momentum in the late 1960s when she played Peggy Maxwell, a research assistant, in NBC's The Name of the Game. The series premiered in 1968 and featured rotating lead characters played by actors including Tony Franciosa, Gene Barry and Robert Stack.
Saint James's performance helped establish her as a rising television talent. She won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969 for her work on the series, an early milestone in a career that would bring her further critical recognition.
The role introduced her to a broad television audience and opened the door to more prominent parts in both television and film.
‘McMillan & Wife’ Made Her a Household Name
Saint James became especially well known for playing Sally McMillan in the NBC crime drama McMillan & Wife, opposite Rock Hudson.
The series followed San Francisco police commissioner Stewart McMillan and his wife, Sally, as they became involved in solving criminal cases. Saint James brought warmth, humor and personality to Sally, making her an important part of the show's appeal.
The series ran during the 1970s and helped establish Saint James as a familiar face on American television. Her performance also earned her multiple Emmy nominations.
She eventually left the show before its sixth and final season following a contract dispute. Her character was written out of the story through a plane-crash plotline.
Despite her departure, the series remained one of the defining credits of her career and helped secure her place in television history.
‘Kate & Allie’ Introduced Her to a New Generation
Saint James experienced another major success in the 1980s when she starred alongside Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie.
The show followed two divorced women who shared a home and raised their children together in New York City. Saint James played Kate McArdle, while Curtin portrayed Allie Lowell.
The series explored family life, friendship, parenting and the challenges of building a new life after divorce. Its mix of comedy and relatable domestic situations helped it connect with audiences.
Running from 1984 to 1989, Kate & Allie earned Saint James additional Emmy recognition and introduced her to viewers who may not have known her earlier work in crime dramas.
The sitcom became one of her best-known roles and remains an important part of her television legacy.
Her Film Roles and Later Television Appearances
Although television was central to her career, Saint James also appeared in several feature films. Her credits included the vampire comedy Love at First Bite, the comedy How to Beat the High Cost of Living and Carbon Copy.
She also made guest appearances in well-known television programs, including MASH*, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Suits.
After Kate & Allie ended in 1989, Saint James largely stepped away from the entertainment industry to focus on raising her family. She made occasional appearances in later years but did not return to the demanding schedule of a full-time television career.
Her decision to prioritize family life became a defining feature of her years away from Hollywood.
Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol's Family Life
Saint James was married to Dick Ebersol, the longtime television executive who served as a producer of Saturday Night Live and later held senior roles in NBC Sports.
The couple met in 1981 when Saint James hosted Saturday Night Live. They married soon afterward and raised a family together.
Their lives were marked by a devastating tragedy in 2004, when their 14-year-old son, Teddy, died in a private plane crash in Colorado. Ebersol and their son Charlie survived the crash with serious injuries.
Saint James had previously been married to Richard Neubert and makeup artist Tom Lucas. She had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her marriage to Lucas, and two sons, Charlie and Willie, with Ebersol, in addition to Teddy.
Reports about her death described her as being survived by her husband, four children, seven grandchildren and her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey. Her family also remembered her beloved service dog, Lola.
A Lasting Commitment to Special Olympics
Away from acting, Saint James devoted considerable time to charitable work, particularly her involvement with Special Olympics.
She supported the organization for many years, volunteering and serving on its board. Her work reflected a commitment to community involvement that continued after she had largely retired from Hollywood.
While her television performances made her a recognizable figure to millions of viewers, her charitable activities and close relationships were also central to how family members and colleagues remembered her.
Her legacy therefore extends beyond her award-winning roles. She was celebrated not only as an actress but also as someone who invested time and energy in helping others.
Remembering Susan Saint James
Susan Saint James leaves behind a body of work that reached audiences across several generations of American television viewers.
From her early success in The Name of the Game to her memorable performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, she demonstrated versatility across drama and comedy. Her Emmy recognition reflected the impact of her performances during some of television's most influential decades.
Her family’s tribute also emphasized qualities that audiences could not necessarily see on screen: warmth, generosity, resilience and a willingness to make others feel welcome.
As tributes follow news of her death, Saint James is being remembered for both her contribution to television and the personal values that shaped her life beyond Hollywood.
Source note: This article is based on reporting by Fox News and corroborating coverage from the Associated Press and other established news outlets. The death announcement was attributed to her representative and family through People magazine.