Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress from “McMillan & Wife” and “Kate & Allie,” died Monday at 80. Pancreatic cancer was the cause. Her representative confirmed it.
Family members remembered how she put others first. Even after losing her son Teddy in a 2004 plane crash, she wrote healing notes for her remaining children and husband Dick Ebersol. She spoke publicly soon after to reassure well-wishers.
Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles on August 14, 1946, she grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She modeled as a teenager before turning to acting.
Her breakthrough came on “The Name of the Game.” She won an Emmy in 1969 for the supporting role. Then came five seasons opposite Rock Hudson as the smart, playful Sally McMillan.
“Kate & Allie” brought her back to series television in 1984. She and Jane Curtin played friends raising kids under one roof. The show lasted until 1989 and added two more Emmy nominations to her list.
Film work included “Outlaw Blues,” “Love at First Bite” and “How to Beat the High Cost of Living.” After the sitcom ended she stepped back from steady acting to raise her family.
She is survived by Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren, her sister and her service dog Lola. Her star sits at 1645 Vine Street on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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