Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress whose spirited performances in “The Name of the Game,” “McMillan & Wife” and “Kate & Allie” made her a familiar face on American television, died Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at age 80. Her death followed a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, according to reports citing her representative and a statement from her family.

Saint James built a career around smart, independent women who brought warmth, humor and energy to their stories. After becoming one of television’s recognizable performers in the late 1960s and 1970s, she earned a new generation of fans in the 1980s before stepping away from regular acting to focus on her family and charitable work.

Early Career and Emmy Recognition

Born Susan Jane Miller on Aug. 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois. She began modeling as a teenager before returning to California in her early 20s and signing a contract with Universal Studios.

Her television breakthrough came with “The Name of the Game,” which premiered in 1968. She played Peggy Maxwell, a research assistant working with three rotating lead characters. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969.

Her early television credits also included “It Takes a Thief,” “Ironside,” “McCloud” and “Alias Smith and Jones.” She appeared in the 1968 film “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows!” as her screen career expanded.

Stardom With ‘McMillan & Wife’ and ‘Kate & Allie’

Saint James reached another career milestone in 1971 when she joined Rock Hudson in “McMillan & Wife.” She portrayed Sally McMillan, the quick-witted wife of San Francisco police commissioner Stewart McMillan. The crime series made her a household name and brought her additional Emmy recognition.

She left the series in 1976 following a contract dispute and turned to feature films. Her movie credits included “Outlaw Blues,” “Love at First Bite,” “How to Beat the High Cost of Living” and “Carbon Copy.” She also appeared in an episode of “MAS*H.”

In 1984, Saint James returned to regular television in the CBS sitcom “Kate & Allie,” playing Kate McArdle opposite Jane Curtin. The comedy followed two divorced friends raising their families together in New York. It ran until 1989 and earned Saint James more Emmy nominations.

Her television work extended beyond those signature roles. Later credits included “Tattingers,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Suits.” She also appeared in television movies and made occasional guest appearances after retiring from regular series work.

Family Tragedy: The Death of Teddy 

Saint James married television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981 after meeting him while guest-hosting “Saturday Night Live.” Ebersol, who later became a prominent NBC Sports executive, remained her husband through the final decades of her life.

The couple had three sons: Charles, William, known as Willie, and Edward, known as Teddy. Saint James also had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her previous marriage to makeup artist Tom Lucas. Her first marriage, to Richard Neubert, ended in divorce.

In November 2004, tragedy struck when a private plane carrying Ebersol and sons Charles and Teddy crashed during takeoff in Montrose, Colorado. Fourteen-year-old Teddy and two crew members died. Ebersol and Charles survived but sustained serious injuries.

Saint James was not aboard the plane. She had left the family trip in Colorado before the aircraft attempted to take off again. The loss of her youngest son became a defining event in her life. In the aftermath, she supported her family through grief and spoke publicly about the difficulty of living with such a devastating loss.

Life Away From Hollywood with Husband Dick Ebersol

After “Kate & Allie” ended, Saint James largely retired from acting to concentrate on raising her children. She and Ebersol made their home in Litchfield, Connecticut, where she became involved in community and charitable activities.

In 1998, she helped establish Seedling and Pip, a baby-gift business emphasizing books. She was also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, serving as a volunteer and board member. Her public service became an important part of her identity beyond television.

Although she largely stayed out of the spotlight, Saint James occasionally returned to acting and attended special industry events. She was recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.

Her later years centered on family, philanthropy and life away from Hollywood. In August 2026, she celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends at her Los Angeles home, according to published reports.

A Lasting Television Legacy

Saint James leaves a legacy defined by memorable performances, professional versatility and a commitment to family and public service. From her Emmy-winning early work on “The Name of the Game” to the enduring popularity of “Kate & Allie,” she helped shape a period of American television that balanced crime drama with character-driven comedy.

Her family remembered her as someone who made people feel valued and who instinctively looked for ways to help others. That spirit, alongside her work on screen and her resilience following personal tragedy, formed a lasting part of her story.