Emmy-winning actress Susan Saint James, whose performances in “Kate & Allie” and “McMillan & Wife” made her a familiar face on American television, has died at 80. She died Monday, October 26, 2026, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, her representative confirmed to PEOPLE.
Susan Saint James, âKate & Allieâ star, dead at 80 https://t.co/oFbzr6SDUl https://t.co/DUKwop5szM
— New York Post (@nypost) October 27, 2026
Saint James built a career playing independent, outspoken women before stepping away from regular television work to focus on her family. Her death comes just two months after she celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by loved ones.
- Died: October 26, 2026
- Age: 80
- Cause of death: Pancreatic cancer
- Known for: Kate & Allie, McMillan & Wife
- Husband: Dick Ebersol
- Survived by: Four children and seven grandchildren
Family Confirms Death Following Cancer Diagnosis
Saint James’ representative confirmed her death to PEOPLE on Tuesday, October 27. The family has not disclosed when she was diagnosed or what treatment she received.
In a statement, her relatives remembered her generosity, kindness and ability to connect with people from different walks of life.
They also recalled how she supported her family through grief after losing her youngest son, Teddy, in a 2004 plane crash.
The Television Roles That Defined Her Career
Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles in 1946, Saint James grew up in Illinois before pursuing modeling and acting.
Her first major television success came with “The Name of the Game” in 1968. She earned three Emmy nominations and won an award for the role.
Three years later, she starred opposite Rock Hudson in NBC’s “McMillan & Wife,” playing Sally McMillan. The mystery series brought her three additional Emmy nominations.
Her best-known sitcom role arrived in 1984 when she joined Jane Curtin in “Kate & Allie.”
The CBS comedy followed two divorced mothers raising their children under one roof. Its portrayal of friendship, parenting and women’s independence helped distinguish it from traditional family sitcoms.
The series ended in 1989 after six seasons.
Saint James’ passing follows other reported losses involving familiar television performers, including Walter Koenig, known for playing Chekov in “Star Trek”.
A Marriage, a Family Tragedy and Life Beyond Acting
Saint James met NBC executive Dick Ebersol while hosting “Saturday Night Live” in 1981. They married 42 days later and had three sons: Charlie, Willie and Teddy.
She also had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her previous marriage to Tom Lucas.
In November 2004, a private jet carrying Ebersol and two of their sons crashed in Colorado, killing 14-year-old Teddy. Ebersol and Charlie survived.
Following the tragedy, Saint James received approximately 27,000 condolence letters and reportedly answered around 15,000 personally. She subsequently helped other parents cope with similar losses.
Her Final Birthday and Lasting Legacy
Saint James spent much of her later life supporting the Special Olympics, pursuing gardening and enjoying time with family. She received a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2008.
In August 2026, she attended a Doobie Brothers concert during her 80th birthday celebrations. The band dedicated “Black Water,” Teddy’s favorite song, to her.
Her family said she regarded the celebrations as among the happiest days of her life.
She is survived by Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren, her sister Mary Mercedes Dewey and her service dog, Lola.
Her death comes amid other recent entertainment losses, including the death of Cornell football coach Ed Dawson, whose community also faced an unexpected loss.
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