Susan Saint James Obituary: Emmy-Winning Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife Star Dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the beloved American television actress whose performances entertained audiences for decades, has died at the age of 80. Her death on October 26, 2026, was reported by The Associated Press on October 27, citing confirmation from a representative through People. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Remembered for her warmth, humor, and lively screen presence, Saint James became a familiar face through some of television’s best-known series. Her passing marks the loss of a performer whose influence extended beyond acting into years of charitable service.

Susan Saint James’s Memorable Television Career

Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, she grew up in Rockford, Illinois, before pursuing a career in entertainment. Her early success came with The Name of the Game, where she played Peggy Maxwell, a role that earned her an Emmy Award in 1969.

She later starred as Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in the crime drama McMillan & Wife, which aired from 1971 to 1976. In the 1980s, she reached another generation of viewers as Kate McArdle in the sitcom Kate & Allie, alongside Jane Curtin. The series followed two divorced women raising their families and became one of her most recognizable roles.

Her career demonstrated a distinctive ability to combine comedy, drama, and an approachable style that resonated with television audiences.

A Lasting Commitment to the Special Olympics

Away from the screen, Saint James was widely recognized for her dedication to the Special Olympics. Her involvement began in 1972, and she went on to volunteer and serve on the organization’s board of directors. Her advocacy reflected a commitment to supporting people with intellectual disabilities and celebrating the abilities of Special Olympics athletes.

She also found ways to connect her charitable interests with her acting career, including arranging for Special Olympics athletes to attend tapings of Kate & Allie, according to the account provided.

Family, Memories, and Tributes

Saint James married television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981. The couple experienced profound grief in 2004 when their 14-year-old son, Teddy, died in a plane crash. In the years that followed, Saint James continued to be remembered for her dedication to her family and her efforts to support others.

In a statement reported by the Associated Press, her family remembered her as someone who made people feel valued and approached others with generosity and kindness. Their tribute reflected the personal warmth that admirers associated with her both on and off screen.

Susan Saint James leaves behind a lasting entertainment legacy through The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife, and Kate & Allie. Her Emmy-winning performance, memorable television characters, and decades of volunteer work helped define a life that reached far beyond Hollywood.

Heartfelt condolences go out to her husband, children, extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many viewers who cherished her work. May they find comfort in their memories, and may Susan Saint James be remembered for the laughter, compassion, and humanity she brought to the world.