Allison Smith, best known for her role as Jennie Lowell in the beloved sitcom “Kate & Allie,” has reflected on the invaluable lessons learned from her co-stars Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin during her formative years in the entertainment industry. Smith, 56, recently shared her experiences on “The Locher Room” podcast, where she highlighted how the duo balanced their successful careers with motherhood, offering her a guiding example as she navigated her own journey in family and work.
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“Kate & Allie,” which aired on CBS from March 19, 1984, to May 1989, revolved around the lives of Kate, played by Saint James, and Allie, portrayed by Curtin, as they navigated the challenges of single parenthood after divorcing their husbands. The show garnered critical acclaim, earning a total of 12 Emmy nominations over its six-season run. Notably, Curtin won the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series twice, while Saint James received nominations in the same category.
Speaking of her experience on set, Smith noted the stark differences between her two co-stars, expressing appreciation for the unique strengths they each brought to the series. “Jane was a comedic star, so I learned timing,” she stated, recalling how Curtin’s ability to maintain a straight face in the midst of comedic performances taught her invaluable lessons in comedic delivery.
In contrast, Smith described Saint James as embodying a more free-spirited and feminine energy, saying, “Suzy was just like a hippie, like just, you know, be wild and be brave and feminine power,” all while being deeply grounded and family-oriented. The combination of these contrasting approaches profoundly influenced Smith, who admired their ability to juggle their careers and their responsibilities as mothers.
Reflecting on her own life, Smith confessed that she wished she had taken greater inspiration from her co-stars when she began her own family. “I actually wish later in life, when I had started my own family, that I had remembered and held on to the way that they seemed to so effortlessly balance their home lives and being mothers with their careers,” she remarked.
Smith noted that both Saint James and Curtin had a genuine appreciation for the lives they led, feeling they managed to achieve fulfillment by successfully combining their personal and professional lives. “I think that they were very grateful for that; I mean, I think that they felt like they had it all,” Smith said.
Smith herself has continued to build a diverse career in Hollywood since her time on “Kate & Allie,” taking on notable guest roles in popular shows such as “Will & Grace,” “ER,” and “Scrubs.” While she married Randy Grimmett in 2001 and has two children, she has opted to keep her family life relatively private, away from public scrutiny.
The legacy of “Kate & Allie” endures as a remarkable piece of television history, recognised not only for its comedic brilliance but also for its portrayal of modern family dynamics in the 1980s. The show remains available for streaming on platforms such as The Roku Channel and Prime Video, allowing both new audiences and nostalgic fans to revisit its themes of friendship and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
As Smith continues to reflect on her early experiences with Saint James and Curtin, it becomes evident that the lessons learned on set extended beyond the realm of acting; they provided her with insights into maintaining a balance between professional success and personal fulfilment. The warmth and camaraderie shared among the cast have undoubtedly left a lasting impact on her approach to family and career, exemplifying the spirit of collaboration and support that often characterises the entertainment industry.