Susan Saint James, Beloved ‘Kate & Allie’ and ‘McMillan & Wife’ Star, Dies at 80

Television has lost another familiar face. Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress whose performances helped define some of television's most memorable series of the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 80.

Saint James died Monday, October 26, following a battle with pancreatic cancer, her representative confirmed. Her family remembered her as a woman whose generosity and compassion extended well beyond her Hollywood career.

A Television Career That Spanned Generations

For many fans, Saint James will always be Kate McArdle, one-half of the beloved CBS sitcom Kate & Allie. The series, which aired from 1984 to 1989, paired Saint James with Jane Curtin as two divorced women raising their children together in New York City.

At a time when television families typically followed a more traditional formula, Kate & Allie presented a different picture of friendship, motherhood, and independence. The show's humor and heart made it a standout, while Saint James and Curtin created a partnership that helped carry the comedy through six seasons.

Before Kate & Allie, Saint James was already an established television star. She portrayed Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife, bringing warmth, charm, and sharp comedic timing to the mystery series.

Her earlier work on The Name of the Game earned her a Primetime Emmy Award, establishing her as one of television's rising talents. She also appeared in the 1979 horror comedy Love at First Bite, demonstrating that her talents extended beyond the small screen.

Remembering Susan Saint James

Away from Hollywood, Saint James was married to former NBC Sports executive Dick Ebersol. Their family experienced devastating loss in 2004 when their youngest son, Teddy, died in a plane crash.

In remembering Saint James, her family emphasized the kindness she showed others, even during the most difficult periods of her life. They described someone who genuinely cared about people and made those around her feel important.

She is survived by her husband, four children, and seven grandchildren.

Saint James leaves behind a television legacy that stretches across decades. From the mysteries of McMillan & Wife to the everyday joys and challenges of Kate & Allie, she brought a distinctive personality to characters who remain beloved by generations of fans.

Her performances will continue to have a place in television history, and the warmth she brought to the screen will not be forgotten.