Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress who became a familiar face to television audiences through her memorable performances in Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, has died at the age of 80. Her family confirmed that she died on Monday, October 26, 2026, following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.
Her passing marks the end of a remarkable career that spanned several decades and helped establish her as one of the most recognizable television actresses of her generation. Beyond her success on screen, Saint James was remembered by her family and colleagues for her generosity, lively personality and longstanding commitment to charitable causes, particularly the Special Olympics.
In a family statement shared following her death, she was described as a woman who valued kindness and giving her time to others more than material wealth. Her loved ones recalled how she instinctively gravitated toward people who needed encouragement and taught her children to treat others with compassion.
A Television Career That Captured Generations
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She began her professional journey as a model before moving into acting, eventually securing opportunities that launched her career in television and film.
One of her earliest major breakthroughs came with the NBC series The Name of the Game, in which she portrayed research assistant Peggy Maxwell. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969, establishing her as a rising talent in the entertainment industry.
In 1971, Saint James took on the role of Sally McMillan in McMillan & Wife, starring opposite Rock Hudson. The popular crime drama followed the investigations of San Francisco police commissioner Stewart McMillan and his wife. Saint James brought intelligence, humor and warmth to the character, earning multiple Emmy nominations during her time on the series.
The role helped cement her reputation as an actress capable of combining comedy with dramatic storytelling.
Her career reached another milestone in 1984 when she began starring alongside Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie. The series followed two divorced women who chose to share a home in New York City while raising their children together.
Saint James played Kate McArdle, an independent and outspoken mother whose friendship with Curtin’s Allie Lowell formed the heart of the show. The series became a popular television comedy and ran until 1989, earning Saint James further Emmy recognition.
The show’s portrayal of friendship, motherhood and changing family arrangements resonated with audiences and helped make it a defining sitcom of the 1980s.
A Life Beyond Hollywood
Although Saint James enjoyed considerable success in television, she gradually stepped away from acting after Kate & Allie ended in 1989, choosing to devote more attention to her family and personal interests.
She made occasional appearances in later productions, including The Drew Carey Show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Suits. In 2008, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of her contributions to television.
Yet her influence extended well beyond entertainment.
Saint James was a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics, an organization dedicated to creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through sports and community participation. She became involved with the movement in the early 1970s and continued supporting its mission for decades.
She served in leadership and fundraising roles, helping raise awareness and resources for athletes and their families. The organization remembered her as a passionate advocate who believed in inclusion and the dignity of every individual.
Her charitable work became one of the most enduring aspects of her public life, reflecting a commitment to helping people who might otherwise be overlooked.
Family, Love and Personal Loss
Saint James married television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981 after the pair met while she was hosting Saturday Night Live. Their relationship became a lasting partnership, and they raised three sons together. She also had two children from her previous marriage to makeup artist Thomas Lucas.
Her family life included profound tragedy. In November 2004, her youngest son, Edward, known as Teddy, died at the age of 14 in a plane crash that also injured Ebersol and their son Charlie.
The loss was devastating for the family. In the weeks that followed, Saint James delivered a eulogy for Teddy that also offered words of comfort to her husband and surviving children. Her ability to support her family while experiencing such profound grief became an enduring example of her devotion to those she loved.
Her family later described her as someone who consistently put other people first, even during the most painful moments of her life.
Despite her public profile, Saint James treasured her role as a mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol; her children Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol and Willie Ebersol; and seven grandchildren. Her son Teddy predeceased her.
Cause of Death
Saint James died on October 26, 2026, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to a statement from her representative reported by entertainment news outlets.
She was 80 years old. Further details about her illness and final days have not been publicly disclosed by her family.
Her death has prompted tributes celebrating both her achievements in television and her decades of humanitarian work.
A Lasting Legacy
Susan Saint James leaves behind a body of work that helped shape American television across several eras. From her award-winning performance in The Name of the Game to her memorable roles in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, she demonstrated an ability to bring intelligence, humor and authenticity to her characters.
For audiences, she will remain associated with strong, independent women who balanced professional ambition, friendship and family life. For those who knew her personally, her legacy also includes the generosity and warmth she brought to everyday encounters.
Her commitment to the Special Olympics demonstrated that her concern for others extended beyond the screen, while her devotion to her family remained central throughout her life.
As tributes continue, Saint James is being remembered not only as a talented actress but also as a compassionate woman who used her public platform to support others.
Susan Saint James was 80. Her performances will continue to reach new audiences, while her contributions to charitable causes and the lives she touched will remain an important part of her legacy.
