Susan Saint James, the Emmy award-winning actress best known for starring opposite Jane Curtin in the 1980s sitcom 'Kate & Allie,' died on Monday in Los Angeles. She was 80. Saint James received a pancreatic cancer diagnosis this year, and her death was confirmed by family representative Whitney Tancred.
In 'Kate & Allie,' Saint James played Kate McArdle, a free spirit caught up in the 1960s radical movement, opposite Jane Curtin's traditionalist Allie Lowell. The CBS comedy about two divorced mothers sharing an apartment with three children ran for 122 episodes from 1984 to 1989. Saint James was twice nominated for an Emmy for best lead actress for the role.
She also starred as Sally McMillan in the 1970s procedural 'McMillan & Wife' alongside Rock Hudson, earning three Emmy nominations. In 1969, she won an Emmy for her supporting role in 'The Name of the Game.' Born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles on Aug. 14, 1946, she changed her last name to Saint James at 20 to pursue acting.
Saint James married Saturday Night Live executive producer Dick Ebersol in 1981. Their family suffered tragedy in 2004 when a plane crash killed their sons Edward 'Teddy' and Charlie, and the captain and crew member. She is survived by Ebersol, son Willie, and children Harmony and Sunshine.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing