Susan Saint James was an American actor and activist whose career included some of television’s most popular series of the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s. She became widely known as Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game, played Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife, and later starred as Kate McArdle in the sitcom Kate & Allie.
Saint James also devoted much of her life to charitable work, especially with Special Olympics. She died on October 26, 2026, at age 80, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to the Associated Press, citing a representative for the actor. Her career is remembered for lively, independent characters and for an enduring commitment to service beyond the screen. Associated Press obituary
Susan Saint James at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Susan Jane Miller |
| Born | August 14, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California |
| Died | October 26, 2026 |
| Age | 80 |
| Profession | Actor and activist |
| Best-known roles | Peggy Maxwell in The Name of the Game; Sally McMillan in McMillan & Wife; Kate McArdle in Kate & Allie |
| Spouse | Dick Ebersol |
| Children | Five |
| Notable recognition | Emmy Award for The Name of the Game; Emmy nominations for later roles |
| Advocacy | Longtime supporter and board member of Special Olympics |
Early Life and the Start of Her Career
Susan Saint James was born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles on August 14, 1946. Her family later moved to Rockford, Illinois, where she grew up. She began modeling as a teenager, including work in Paris, before returning to California to pursue acting. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame notes that she attended Connecticut College for Women before moving to California and landing a contract with Universal Studios. Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame profile
Saint James made her television debut in the 1966 television film Fame Is the Name of the Game, starring Tony Franciosa. The production led to the series The Name of the Game, where she played Peggy Maxwell, a research assistant working for three different lead characters. The role gave the show continuity and made Saint James a familiar face to viewers.
Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969. The award established her as a rising television actor and helped open the door to more regular roles. Early appearances included the crime series It Takes a Thief and guest roles on shows such as Ironside, McCloud, and Alias Smith and Jones. Los Angeles Times profile
McMillan & Wife and a Breakthrough Role
Saint James reached a wider audience in 1971 when she joined McMillan & Wife. She played Sally McMillan, the spirited wife of San Francisco police commissioner Stewart McMillan, portrayed by Rock Hudson. The series combined crime stories with domestic comedy, and Saint James’s lively performance gave the show much of its warmth and charm.
She remained with the program through 1976 and received multiple Emmy nominations for the role. Her character was central to the show’s appeal: Sally was observant, curious, and often involved in her husband’s investigations, rather than simply appearing as a supporting spouse. The role helped establish Saint James as a leading television actor.
Saint James left the series before its final season after a contract dispute. Her character’s departure was written into the story. After leaving McMillan & Wife, she shifted more attention toward feature films and other acting projects.
Film Roles and Other Television Work
During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Saint James appeared in a variety of films. Her credits included Outlaw Blues (1977), the comedy Love at First Bite (1979), and How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980). She also appeared in Carbon Copy (1981), a comedy starring George Segal and Denzel Washington, in Washington’s feature-film debut.
Although film work added range to her career, television remained the medium where she became most closely identified with audiences. In 1980, she guest-starred on MASH*. She also continued to take on television films and other appearances, building a career that moved between comedy and drama.
Her performances often featured characters who were capable, independent, and quick-witted. Saint James was known for a distinctive, slightly raspy voice and a relaxed comic style that suited both the crime dramas and sitcoms that made her famous.
Kate & Allie
In 1984, Saint James returned to weekly television as Kate McArdle in Kate & Allie. The CBS sitcom paired her with Jane Curtin, who played Allie Lowell. The show followed two divorced women who shared a home and raised their children together in New York City.
Kate and Allie had contrasting personalities: Kate was more spontaneous and outgoing, while Allie tended to be cautious and organized. Their friendship and shared household formed the heart of the show. Saint James’s natural comic energy helped make Kate memorable, while the series explored the practical challenges of single parenthood and friendship.
Kate & Allie ran from 1984 to 1989. Saint James received two Emmy nominations for her work on the sitcom. The role introduced her to a new generation of viewers and reinforced her standing as a leading television performer.
Personal Life and Family
Saint James was married three times. Her first marriage, to Richard Neubert, ended in divorce. She later married makeup artist Tom Lucas, with whom she had two children, Sunshine and Harmony. The marriage ended in divorce in 1977.
In 1981, while guest-hosting Saturday Night Live, Saint James met Dick Ebersol, then the show’s executive producer and later a prominent NBC Sports executive. They married and had three sons: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy. Saint James and Ebersol experienced the tragic loss of their youngest son, Teddy, in a 2004 plane crash in Colorado. Teddy was 14. Ebersol and their son Charlie survived the crash with serious injuries. The family’s loss was widely covered, and Saint James later spoke of the importance of supporting one another through grief. Associated Press obituary
Saint James and Ebersol separated briefly in 2002, but reconciled later that year. Their family life and her decision to step back from acting were important parts of her later years.
Special Olympics and Community Service
Service was a significant part of Saint James’s life. She became involved with Special Olympics in the early 1970s and went on to serve on its board of directors. Her commitment continued after she became a television star, and she supported the organization as a volunteer and spokesperson.
The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame recognized her for both her acting career and her work with Special Olympics. It noted her service on the international board as well as her work with Connecticut Special Olympics after she returned to the state. Saint James was inducted into the hall in 1994. Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame
Her charitable work was not just an occasional public appearance. Saint James often described service as a way to connect with people and contribute to her community. Her advocacy became a lasting part of her public identity alongside her television work.
Retirement and Later Appearances
After Kate & Allie ended in 1989, Saint James largely retired from acting to focus on raising her children and supporting charitable work. She made occasional guest appearances, including on The Drew Carey Show, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Suits. She also appeared in stage productions, including The Miracle Worker in Connecticut.
In 1998, Saint James, her sister Mercedes Dewey, and a friend founded Seedling and Pip, a baby gift-basket business centered on books. The venture reflected her interest in family and children’s literacy.
She remained out of the spotlight for much of her later life, though she occasionally spoke publicly about her family and career. In 2026, reports noted her 80th birthday. Her death was announced in October of that year. Her family remembered her as someone who made people feel seen and valued. Associated Press
Awards and Recognition
Saint James received an Emmy Award for her role as Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game. She also earned nominations for her work on McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie. The Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame reports that she received ten Emmy nominations and one win, in addition to recognition from organizations for her volunteer work.
She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the television category. Beyond acting awards, her work with Special Olympics brought her recognition from civic and sports organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Susan Saint James?
Susan Saint James was an American actor and activist known for The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife, and Kate & Allie. She was also a longtime supporter of Special Olympics.
What was Susan Saint James’s real name?
She was born Susan Jane Miller and later became known professionally as Susan Saint James.
How old was Susan Saint James when she died?
She was 80. The Associated Press reported that she died on October 26, 2026, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
What was Susan Saint James best known for?
She was best known for playing Sally McMillan in McMillan & Wife and Kate McArdle in Kate & Allie. She also won an Emmy for her role on The Name of the Game.
Did Susan Saint James win an Emmy?
Yes. She won an Emmy Award for her performance as Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game and received additional nominations for her later television roles.
Who was Susan Saint James married to?
Her husband was Dick Ebersol, an executive producer and NBC Sports executive. She was previously married to Richard Neubert and Tom Lucas.
How many children did Susan Saint James have?
She had five children: Sunshine and Harmony with Tom Lucas, and Charlie, Willie, and Teddy with Dick Ebersol.
What was Susan Saint James’s connection to Special Olympics?
She was a longtime supporter, volunteer, and board member of Special Olympics. Her advocacy was an important part of her life outside acting.
Final Word
Susan Saint James built a lasting television career through memorable roles in The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife, and Kate & Allie. Her performances combined warmth, independence, and humor, helping her characters feel both entertaining and relatable.
Her legacy also includes decades of service to Special Olympics and a commitment to her family and community. Saint James died in 2026 at age 80, leaving behind a body of work that remains familiar to television audiences and a record of advocacy that extended well beyond the screen.