Susan Saint James, Emmy-winning star of McMillan & Wife, dies at 80

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress known for her iconic television roles, died on Monday at age 80 from pancreatic cancer. A representative confirmed her death occurred in a Los Angeles hospital. She was a major star on US television for two decades, leaving a legacy defined by her husky voice and warm on-screen presence.

Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles on August 14, 1946, she moved to Rockford, Illinois, as a child. Her path to stardom began early. A Life magazine photographer suggested she pursue acting. She later worked as a stagehand in Paris before signing a seven-year contract with Universal Studios at age 19 in 1966. Her first major break came with the 90-minute NBC drama The Name of the Game, a role for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969.

Career highlights and iconic roles

Her career was built on two defining television partnerships. From 1971 to 1976, she starred as Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson's police commissioner in the hit NBC series McMillan & Wife. The show was a global success. She earned multiple Emmy nominations for the role. She departed the series early due to a contractual dispute; her character was killed off in a plane crash, and the show was cancelled after continuing for one more season without her.

Saint James later transitioned to comedy. From 1984 to 1989, she co-starred with Jane Curtin in the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie, playing divorced single mother Kate McArdle. The series ran for six seasons and 122 episodes. She earned two Emmy nominations for her performance, while Curtin won two. After the show ended, she largely retired from acting to focus on family, though she later made guest appearances on series like Law & Order: SVU, Suits, and Upload.

Her Emmy recognition spanned her career. The full scope of her nominations includes the following years:

Personal life and philanthropy

Susan Saint James was married three times. Her first marriage, to Richard Neubert, lasted from 1967 to 1968. Her second, to Tom Lucas from 1971 to 1977, produced two children, Sunshine and Harmony. In 1981, she married television executive Dick Ebersol, the former president of NBC Sports and an Saturday Night Live producer, whom she met while guest-hosting the show. They had three sons together: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy.

Her family life was marked by profound tragedy. On November 28, 2004, a private plane crash during takeoff near Montrose, Colorado, killed their 14-year-old son Teddy, a pilot, and a flight attendant. Dick Ebersol survived. In an immense display of strength, Saint James recorded an interview for the Today show less than three weeks after the accident.

That resilience extended into her philanthropic work. She dedicated herself to Special Olympics Connecticut, serving as a board member and campaign co-chair. She founded the annual Susan Saint James poker tournament fundraiser for the organization. Her commitment is further honored through the Susan Saint James Leadership Award, given to individuals who embody her spirit of dedication.

Legacy and family

She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol; her four children, Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol; her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey; seven grandchildren; and her service dog, Lola. Her family released a statement highlighting her generosity, kindness, and unwavering dedication to helping others, a focus that intensified after the loss of her son. In 2008, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Susan Saint James built a life defined by iconic performances, deep personal strength, and compassionate advocacy.