Susan Saint James Dies at 80: Remembering the Star of McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie

 Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress known for McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, has died at 80. She died Monday, October 26, 2026, after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, according to reports citing her representative and family. Her passing marks the loss of a familiar television performer whose screen presence reached audiences across several decades. Beyond acting, she was remembered for her generosity and longstanding support for Special Olympics.

Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She began modeling as a teenager before returning to Los Angeles and signing with Universal Studios. Her early television work led to wider recognition as Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game. The role earned her an Emmy Award in 1969 and established her as a rising talent in American television.

Saint James became widely known in the 1970s as Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife. The crime drama followed a San Francisco police commissioner and his quick-witted wife as they became involved in solving cases. Saint James brought humor and warmth to Sally, making her an engaging presence alongside Hudson. Her performance earned several Emmy nominations and helped make the series one of her defining television roles.

In the 1980s, Saint James reached another generation through Kate & Allie, the CBS sitcom starring Jane Curtin. The series followed two divorced friends sharing a home while raising their children. Saint James played free-spirited Kate McArdle, while Curtin portrayed Allie Lowell. Their partnership became central to the show's appeal, and Saint James earned additional Emmy nominations. The series ran from 1984 to 1989 and became another defining chapter in her career.

After Kate & Allie ended, Saint James largely stepped away from acting to raise her family, though she made occasional later appearances. Outside entertainment, she supported Special Olympics for decades, volunteering and serving on its board. Her work reflected a commitment to inclusion and athletes with intellectual disabilities. Her family remembered her as generous with her time and energy, attentive to people she met, and instinctively drawn to helping others feel valued. Her legacy extended beyond screen credits. Fans also remembered her kindness and support.

Saint James also experienced profound family grief. Her youngest son, Teddy, died at age 14 in a 2004 private plane crash that injured other family members. Her response to that loss became part of the story of her devotion to loved ones. After her death, her family emphasized how she made people feel important, whether close friends or strangers encountered in everyday life. Their recollections offered a personal portrait alongside her achievements as an actress and advocate. It reflected the importance she placed on family.

As admirers remember Saint James, her work continues to connect viewers with television from the 1970s and 1980s. From her Emmy-winning performance in The Name of the Game to McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, she built a career marked by versatility and a distinctive presence. Her Special Olympics commitment and the warmth described by her family add another dimension to her legacy. She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, her children, and other family members. She will be remembered for her performances, generosity, and contribution to American television. Her characters remain familiar to viewers today.