Susan Saint James, ‘Kate & Allie’ Star, Dies at 80
Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress whose warmth and comic timing made her a familiar presence on American television, has died at 80.
A representative confirmed to PEOPLE that Saint James died on Monday, October 26, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Her family remembered her generosity and the personal attention she gave to everyone she met. She is survived by her husband, television executive Dick Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren and her sister.
Saint James became a television favorite through two memorable partnerships: opposite Rock Hudson in “McMillan & Wife” and alongside Jane Curtin in “Kate & Allie.”
In the latter, which aired on CBS from 1984 to 1989, she played Kate McArdle, a divorced mother sharing a home with her friend Allie and their children. The sitcom explored friendship, parenting and starting over, earning Saint James two Emmy nominations.
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, she grew up in Rockford, Illinois. Her breakthrough came as research assistant Peggy Maxwell in “The Name of the Game,” a performance that earned her an Emmy in 1969.
She later played Sally McMillan opposite Hudson’s police commissioner in “McMillan & Wife,” receiving three Emmy nominations. Her film credits included “Love at First Bite,” “How to Beat the High Cost of Living” and “Carbon Copy.”
After “Kate & Allie,” Saint James stepped back from regular television work to concentrate on raising her family in Connecticut. She continued making occasional appearances, including roles in “The Drew Carey Show,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Suits.”
Away from acting, she devoted years to Special Olympics as a volunteer and board member, extending her public life beyond entertainment through sustained advocacy.
