The golden age of American television has lost one of its brightest, most effervescent spirits. Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress whose presence defined the television landscape from the late 1960s through the late 1980s, has passed away at the age of 80. Her family confirmed she died on Monday, October 26, following a battle with pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy that transcended the screen and touched countless lives.
For many, Saint James was the quintessential television star—the kind of performer who made sophisticated, witty, and deeply relatable characters look effortless. Whether she was navigating the high-stakes world of journalism, solving crimes alongside Rock Hudson, or redefining the modern domestic sitcom, she brought a sense of humanity and warmth that anchored her most iconic roles.
A Life Defined by Radiance and Resilience
While the public knew her through the flickering light of their living room screens, those closest to her knew a woman of immense fortitude and selfless grace. In a heartfelt tribute released by her representative, her family painted a portrait of a woman who operated with a profound sense of empathy.
Perhaps her most profound display of character came in the wake of the most devastating trial a parent can face. In 2004, a private plane crash in Colorado claimed the life of her 14-year-old son, Teddy Ebersol. In the immediate aftermath—while in the depths of a grief most would find insurmountable—Saint James delivered a eulogy that served as a beacon of comfort to her husband, Dick Ebersol, and their surviving children. She possessed a rare, quiet strength that allowed her to put the needs of those around her above her own, even when her world had been shattered.
From Rockford to Hollywood Stardom
Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles in 1946, Saint James’s journey to fame began in the unlikeliest of places: Rockford, Illinois. Raised by parents who valued the classicism of cinema over the burgeoning allure of color television, Saint James found her calling early. After a stint in modeling, she made her screen debut in the 1966 television movie Fame Is the Name of the Game.
Her turn as the sharp, capable Peggy Chan was an instant hit with audiences. When the film was transitioned into a series, her character—renamed Peggy Maxwell—became a cornerstone of the show. It didn’t take long for the industry to take notice; in 1969, she secured the Primetime Emmy for Best Supporting Actress, officially establishing herself as a powerhouse talent to watch.
The Chemistry of ‘McMillan & Wife’
By the time the 1970s rolled around, Saint James had become a household name, but it was her pairing with the legendary Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife that solidified her status as a television icon. The police procedural offered a refreshing, witty take on the genre, featuring a high-powered, glamorous San Francisco couple who balanced crime-solving with socialite duties.
The chemistry between Saint James and Hudson was electric, grounded in a genuine mutual respect. Saint James famously recalled asking Hudson years later why he chose her over the many other prominent actresses competing for the role. His answer was as humble as it was hilarious: he admitted he was growing tired of expensive, long lunches with other contenders and simply decided to go with her. That effortless rapport defined the show’s success, earning her three consecutive Emmy nominations and proving that Saint James could hold her own against Hollywood royalty.
‘Kate & Allie’: Redefining the Sitcom
If the 70s belonged to her investigative and procedural roles, the 1980s belonged to Kate & Allie. As Katherine “Kate” McArdle, Saint James navigated the complexities of being a single mother in a changing social climate. Alongside co-star Jane Curtin, Saint James helped usher in a new era of sitcoms—ones that were less about punchlines and more about the grit, humor, and triumph of female friendship and independence.
The show was a critical darling, and rightly so. It showcased a more grounded, textured side of Saint James’s acting, earning her two additional Emmy nods. Even as the industry evolved, her performance remained a masterclass in subtlety and comedic timing.
A Legacy That Lasts
Though she stepped away from the relentless churn of the Hollywood spotlight after Kate & Allie concluded in 1989, Saint James never stopped contributing to the world around her. She channeled her energy into philanthropic efforts, most notably through her long-term work with the Special Olympics. She also ventured into the entrepreneurial world, co-founding a baby gift basket business, and made occasional, choice returns to television—including memorable turns on Law & Order: SVU and Suits.
In 2008, her immense contributions to the medium were immortalized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but for those who knew her, her true monument is the family she nurtured. She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, and their children, Sunshine, Harmony, Charlie, and Willie, along with seven grandchildren.
Susan Saint James was more than just a face on a television screen; she was a woman who, in the words of her family, “never met a stranger.” Whether she was portraying a fictional detective or living her own life in the public eye, she ensured that everyone she encountered felt seen, heard, and valued. Her fire, her positivity, and her unrelenting kindness remain as her lasting legacy. While the screens may have dimmed on her final performance, the light she brought to the world is far from extinguished.
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