For millions of television viewers, she was a familiar face who brought warmth, laughter, and unforgettable characters into their homes.

But behind the Hollywood success was a woman whose greatest legacy may have had little to do with acting.

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress beloved for Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, has passed away at the age of 80.

Her passing on October 26, 2026, following a pancreatic cancer diagnosis, has brought heartfelt tributes from fans, former colleagues, and loved ones.

Throughout her remarkable career, she worked alongside some of television’s biggest names. Yet those closest to her remembered something even more meaningful: her extraordinary kindness and ability to make everyone feel important.

Her family also recalled a heartbreaking tragedy that changed her life forever.

And it was what Susan did after losing her youngest son that revealed the remarkable strength and compassion behind the woman millions had come to love.Susan Saint James was born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946. After beginning her career as a model, she entered the entertainment industry and quickly established herself as a talented actress. Her breakthrough came with The Name of the Game, which earned her an Emmy Award in 1969. She later became a household name playing Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife. In the 1980s, she delighted another generation of viewers alongside Jane Curtin in Kate & Allie, a beloved comedy about two divorced mothers raising their children together.

Despite her success, Susan eventually stepped away from regular television work to concentrate on raising her family. She married television executive Dick Ebersol in 1981, and together they had three sons. She also had two children from an earlier marriage. Family remained central to her life, even as she continued supporting charitable causes, particularly Special Olympics. Friends and relatives described a woman who valued human connections more than fame and who treated strangers with the same kindness she showed those closest to her.

Her greatest heartbreak came on November 28, 2004, when her youngest son, Teddy, died at just 14 in a private plane crash. Her husband and another son survived the accident, but the loss devastated the family. In the weeks that followed, Susan delivered a deeply personal eulogy addressed to her husband and surviving children, offering comfort while carrying her own grief. Her family later recalled how, even during that painful period, she found the strength to thank people who had reached out with messages of support.

In August 2026, Susan celebrated her 80th birthday surrounded by loved ones. Just over two months later, her family confirmed her passing. She leaves behind her husband, four surviving children, seven grandchildren, and generations of television viewers who remember her work with affection. Her former co-star Jane Curtin also paid tribute, recalling the laughter, friendship, and generosity they shared. Susan Saint James will be remembered not only for the characters she portrayed, but also for the compassion she showed throughout her life.

Do you remember watching Susan Saint James in Kate & Allie or McMillan & Wife? Share your favorite memory of this beloved actress.