Susan Saint James, Emmy-Winning Star of 'McMillan & Wife' and 'Kate & Allie', Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the acclaimed Emmy-winning actress known for her standout roles in popular television series such as McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, passed away on October 26 at the age of 80 due to pancreatic cancer. Her death was confirmed to People by a representative for the star.

Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles and raised in Rockford, Illinois, Saint James began her career as a teenage model before transitioning into acting. She made her professional debut in a 1966 television movie and quickly established a presence on the small screen. In 1969, she earned an Emmy Award for her work in The Name of the Game, marking the first of eight career Emmy nominations.

Television Legacy and Iconic Roles

• The Name of the Game: Landed a series-regular role and won her first Emmy in 1969.
• McMillan & Wife: Starred opposite Rock Hudson in the hit 1970s light crime drama for six seasons.
• Kate & Allie: Co-starred with Jane Curtin in the hit CBS sitcom starting in 1984, portraying the free-spirited Kate.

Throughout her career, Saint James earned four Emmy nominations for McMillan & Wife and two nominations for Kate & Allie. Following the conclusion of her major television runs, she largely stepped away from regular screen acting to focus on her family.

Family and Survivor Information

Saint James is survived by her husband, former NBC Sports President and Saturday Night Live executive producer Dick Ebersol, whom she married after guest-hosting SNL in 1981. She is also survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey. Her family released a statement honoring her generosity, warmth, and resilience following personal hardships.