On October 26, 2026, the entertainment world learned that Susan Saint James had succumbed to pancreatic cancer at the age of 80. The actress, whose career spanned nearly six decades, was celebrated for her warmth, generosity, and an instinct to uplift anyone she met. A family statement highlighted her belief that time and energy mattered more than money, and praised the way she taught her children to pause, be kind, and look out for others.
Born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, she entered the public eye as a model before transitioning to acting. Her first major breakthrough came in the late 1960s with the role of Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game, earning a 1969 Emmy for supporting actress and subsequent nominations in 1970 and 1971. The early 1970s cemented her status when she was cast as Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson on McMillan & Wife, a series that ran from 1971 to 1977 and garnered four Emmy nods for her performance.
From crime drama to sitcom royalty
After McMillan & Wife concluded, Saint James shifted to film and television movies, appearing in titles such as Love at First Bite, The Kid From Nowhere, and Don’t Cry, It’s Only Thunder. A decade later she resurfaced on the small screen as one half of the unconventional duo in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie. Playing the pragmatic Kate McArdle opposite Jane Curtin’s Allie, she helped define a new kind of blended-family comedy that aired from 1984 to 1989. The role earned her two additional Emmy nominations and cemented her reputation as a versatile lead who could navigate both drama and comedy with equal skill.
Even after the series ended, Saint James made occasional guest appearances on shows like Law & Order: SVU, Suits, and Upload. In 2021, during a COVID-19 reunion, she reflected on how Kate & Allie anticipated modern household dynamics, noting that the show resonated with mothers raising both their own and step-children. Her willingness to adapt kept her relevant across generations, and in 2008 she added a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to her list of honors.
A family shattered by tragedy
On November 28, 2004, a private jet carrying Saint James, her husband Dick Ebersol, and their sons Charles and 14-year-old Edward “Teddy” Ebersol crashed during takeoff from Montrose Regional Airport in Colorado. The aircraft, a Canadair CL-601 Challenger, descended in light snow and freezing temperatures, killing the pilot, a flight attendant, and young Teddy, who was thrown from the cabin and crushed beneath the fuselage. Dick and Charles escaped with injuries, while the remaining son, Willie, was not on board.
The loss of Teddy became a defining moment in Saint James’s life. Weeks after the crash, she delivered a heartfelt eulogy that she described as a “note to each of her other children and her husband, giving them words to heal.” In interviews, she spoke of feeling like Teddy’s best friend, the only one left to mourn alongside her husband. She also revealed that she had stepped away from acting after becoming pregnant with Teddy, becoming a full-time mother and later a steadfast advocate for families coping with grief.
Champion of inclusion and philanthropy
Beyond the screen, Saint James devoted substantial energy to the Special Olympics. She first became involved in 1972 during the organization’s early California events and later served as a board member and campaign co-chair for Special Olympics Connecticut. Her commitment inspired the annual Susan Saint James Poker Tournament, a fundraiser that continues to support athletes with intellectual disabilities. In recognition of her impact, the organization named a Leadership Award after her, honoring individuals who embody her spirit of generosity and dedication to inclusion.
Friends and colleagues recall that she “never met a stranger; every person she met became the most important person in the room at that moment.” Whether speaking with a fellow board member or a clerk at a shoe store, Saint James left an impression of genuine interest and kindness, traits she carried into her activism and public engagements.
Family, legacy, and final farewell
At the time of her death, Saint James was survived by husband Dick Ebersol, four children—Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charles “Charlie” Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol—seven grandchildren, her sister Mary Mercedes Dewey, and a beloved service dog named Lola. The family’s tribute emphasized her selfless nature, noting that she valued time and energy above material wealth and that she always placed others first, even in the deepest grief.
Her passing marks the end of an era for a performer who seamlessly blended talent, compassion, and activism. While audiences will miss her iconic roles, her influence lives on through the countless lives she touched, the charitable institutions she strengthened, and the enduring example of resilience she set for her family and fans alike.
