Susan Saint James, the beloved actress known for her roles in popular television series, has passed away at the age of 80. She died on Monday, October 26, following a battle with metastatic pancreatic cancer, as confirmed by a death certificate and reported by PEOPLE on November 5. The actress’s family has shared details about her diagnosis, noting that the timeframe between the onset of her illness and her passing was a matter of months.
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In a heartfelt statement, the actress’s family described her as a person of immense generosity, reflecting on her ability to connect with others. They stated, “Susan was generous with her time and energy, which she valued more than money, and she had an instinctive drive to help lift up those in need.” The family highlighted her strong values, teaching her children the importance of kindness and looking out for others.
Saint James was known for her vibrant personality, having a knack for making everyone feel valued. Her family recalled that she “never met a stranger,” stating that each individual she encountered became the most important person to her at that moment. This warmth and positivity were a hallmark of her character, both on and off the screen.
Her rise to fame began in the early 1970s with the successful series “McMillan & Wife,” where she starred alongside Rock Hudson as Sally McMillan. The duo played a married couple, with Saint James portraying the supportive wife of a police commissioner. The show ran for six seasons on NBC, concluding in 1977, and became a staple of American television during its time.
Following this success, the actress found her second major hit in the 1980s sitcom “Kate & Allie.” Paired with Jane Curtin, Saint James portrayed one of the titular characters, a divorced woman managing life’s challenges while living with her best friend and their children. Upon the show’s debut in 1984, she shared insights about her character, stating, “I could relate to the problems of a divorced woman.”
Saint James revealed that she played a significant role in persuading Curtin to join the project. She recounted the excitement leading up to the show’s premiere: “Every step of the way, before every meeting, every reading, and every rehearsal, I was on the phone to Jane begging her to show up just one more time.” The chemistry between the two actresses was evident in the laughter and enjoyment they shared, making the show a fondly remembered classic.
In her personal life, Susan Saint James married Dick Ebersol, co-creator of “Saturday Night Live,” in 1981. Together, they welcomed two sons, Charlie and Willie. Tragically, the family suffered a devastating loss in 2002 when their son Teddy died in a plane crash at the age of 14. Prior to marrying Ebersol, Saint James was wed to Tom Lucas from 1971 until their divorce in 1977, and they had two daughters together, Sunshine and Harmony.
Beyond the screen, Saint James led a life marked by kindness and empathy, with her family highlighting her dedication to uplifting others. They remembered her for the joy she brought to those around her, noting that even fleeting encounters turned into deeply meaningful connections.
The legacy of Susan Saint James is not only defined by her accomplished career but also by her profound impact on the lives of those she met. As tributes pour in from across the entertainment industry, it is clear that she will be remembered as both a talented performer and a generous spirit who brightened the lives of many.
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