Susan Saint James, an American actress known for her prominent roles in television series during the 1970s and 1980s, has died of pancreatic cancer at the age of 80. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Sally McMillan in the police drama "McMillan & Wife" and later as Kate McArdle in the sitcom "Kate & Allie."
Saint James rose to fame in 1971 when she was cast as Sally McMillan, wife of San Francisco police commissioner Stewart McMillan, played by Rock Hudson. The series combined elements of crime drama and social comedy, with Saint James’s character often revealing herself to be more perceptive and resourceful than her seemingly scatterbrained demeanor suggested. The show was notable for its blend of crime-solving and the couple’s social interactions, in which they frequently uncovered new mysteries. Saint James starred in the series for five seasons before departing following a contractual disagreement. After her exit, the show was rebranded as "McMillan," but it lasted only one additional season.
In 1984, Saint James returned to television comedy with "Kate & Allie." She portrayed Kate McArdle, one of two divorced single mothers who share an apartment in New York’s Greenwich Village to navigate both financial and personal challenges. The show, which ran until 1989, focused on the friendship and co-parenting between the two women, emphasizing their mutual support rather than a romantic relationship. Saint James and co-star Jane Curtain had previously appeared together in the 1980 film comedy "How to Beat the High Cost of Living," adding to their on-screen chemistry.
Following the conclusion of "Kate & Allie," Saint James largely stepped back from acting to focus on her family and philanthropic activities, particularly her involvement with Special Olympics, an organization supporting people with intellectual disabilities. She also co-owned the radio station WZBG in Litchfield, Connecticut, from its debut in 1992 until its sale in 2024.
Born in Los Angeles, Saint James grew up in Illinois after her family relocated when her father became president of a model and hobby products company. Initially pursuing a modeling career after being encouraged by a Life magazine photographer, she worked in Paris before returning to the United States to study acting. At age 19, she signed a contract with Universal Studios and was soon cast in the TV series "The Name of the Game," earning a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969 and additional nominations for her work on later television projects.
Saint James’s film credits include roles in "Outlaw Blues" (1977) and the 1979 vampire comedy "Love at First Bite." She also made guest appearances on series such as "M*A*S*H," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "Suits," and "Upload" over the years.
Her personal life included three marriages: to scriptwriter Richard Neubert, makeup artist Tom Lucas, and television executive Dick Ebersol. She and Ebersol had three sons; their eldest, Teddy, died in 2004. Saint James is survived by Ebersol, their two other sons, her children from previous marriages, a sister, and seven grandchildren.