Susan Saint James, the celebrated actress best known for her roles in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, died at age 80 on October 26, 2026. Her family previously confirmed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Now, a death certificate obtained by PEOPLE has confirmed that she died from metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Her passing marks the loss of a familiar television personality whose warmth, talent and memorable performances helped shape several decades of American entertainment.
Susan Saint James’ Cause of Death
According to the death certificate reported by PEOPLE on November 5, Saint James died from metastatic pancreatic cancer. The document reportedly lists the interval between the onset of the illness and her death as several months.
Following her passing, her family shared a heartfelt tribute that reflected the values she carried throughout her life. They remembered her as generous, compassionate and naturally drawn to people who needed encouragement.
Her family also described how she taught her children to be kind, considerate and attentive to others. Those words offered a personal glimpse into the woman behind the television roles.
The Television Roles That Made Her Famous
Saint James built a successful acting career through memorable performances in some of television’s most recognizable productions.
She first gained widespread attention in McMillan & Wife, where she played Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson. The NBC detective series ran for six seasons, from 1971 to 1977, and helped establish her as a familiar face on television.
However, her role in the sitcom Kate & Allie brought another major chapter to her career. Starring alongside Jane Curtin, she portrayed one half of two divorced friends who chose to share a home while raising their children.
The series premiered in 1984 and became one of her best-known performances. Saint James also revealed that she encouraged Curtin throughout the casting process, helping persuade her to take the role.
Their on-screen chemistry became an important part of the show’s appeal.
Her Family, Personal Life and Lasting Legacy
Away from television, Saint James built a family life with her husband, Dick Ebersol, the television executive and co-creator of Saturday Night Live. The couple married in 1981 and had three sons together: Charlie, Willie and Teddy.
Her family also experienced profound loss when Teddy died in a plane crash in 2004 at the age of 14. Saint James and Ebersol continued to raise their family while navigating that difficult chapter.
She was also the mother of two daughters, Sunshine and Harmony Lucas, from her previous marriage to Tom Lucas.
Beyond her acting achievements, Saint James leaves behind a legacy shaped by family, kindness and a lasting connection with television audiences. Her performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie continue to represent an important part of her career.
For admirers of classic television and timeless personal style, her public appearances also offer a glimpse into the elegance and confidence that defined generations of entertainment personalities. At DeckByDean, readers can explore contemporary fashion pieces and outfit inspiration that bring classic style influences into modern wardrobes. Discover more when you visit our shop.
Susan Saint James will be remembered not only for the characters she brought to life, but also for the warmth and generosity her family says she shared with the people around her.
