The death of Susan Saint James, the beloved actress remembered for her roles in Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, has taken on a new dimension following confirmation of her cause of death. Saint James died on October 26, 2026, at age 80, from metastatic pancreatic cancer, according to a death certificate obtained by People. The diagnosis reportedly came just months before her death, adding a heartbreaking detail to the loss of a television star whose career spanned several decades.
The Biggest Moment
The confirmation that Saint James died from metastatic pancreatic cancer provides the first publicly reported medical explanation for her death. She passed away on October 26, with the diagnosis reportedly arriving only months earlier. The actress had celebrated her 80th birthday in August, making the interval between that family milestone and her death particularly short.
Her death was initially announced by her representative on October 27 in a statement to People. Her family focused on the personal qualities that defined her life, describing a woman who consistently gave her time and energy to other people.
They remembered her as someone who never met a stranger and who made everyone she encountered feel valued, whether that person was a fellow board member or a shop employee. The statement also highlighted the importance she placed on kindness and looking after others.
The confirmation of pancreatic cancer has brought renewed attention to the loss of an actress whose public identity extended well beyond her television performances. For viewers who grew up watching her, the news also marks the passing of a familiar face from two widely remembered television series.
Key Results and Highlights
Saint James built a television career that earned her five Emmy Award nominations across two major productions. Her performances established her as a recognizable presence in American television.
- Kate & Allie: She played Kate McArdle alongside Jane Curtin, earning two Emmy nominations for the series, which ended in 1989.
- McMillan & Wife: She starred alongside Rock Hudson and received three Emmy nominations for her work on the show, which aired from 1971 to 1977.
- Hollywood recognition: She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in June 2008.
- Final public milestone: She celebrated her 80th birthday in August 2026 with her children and grandchildren.
- Charitable involvement: Her friend and former co-star Jane Curtin highlighted her work with organizations including the Special Olympics.
These milestones help explain why news of her death resonated with audiences beyond her immediate circle. Her work connected her to different generations of television viewers, while her Emmy nominations and Hollywood Walk of Fame star reflected the recognition she received during her career.
What Happened on Stage
Although Saint James' final months were not marked by a reported public performance, the weeks surrounding her 80th birthday offered a glimpse into the family life she treasured. Her relatives described a celebration that brought together her children and grandchildren at her Los Angeles home.
The festivities began with a Doobie Brothers concert the night before her birthday. The band dedicated Black Water to her, a particularly meaningful gesture because it was the favorite song of her late son Teddy. Saint James had toured with the group during the 1970s and 1980s, creating a personal connection to the musical tribute.
The following day, her family gathered in the backyard of her home for her birthday celebration. According to her relatives, she described the two days as among the best of her entire life.
Those details offer a personal picture of her final birthday, centered on family, music and memories rather than Hollywood appearances. Photographs from the occasion became her final publicly reported images before her death.
Audience and Industry Reaction
One of the most personal tributes came from Jane Curtin, Saint James' former Kate & Allie co-star. Speaking to Page Six after her friend's death, Curtin described her as a decent person and credited her with making the television series a joyful experience.
Curtin also recalled how Saint James balanced an active professional life with motherhood and charitable commitments. Her tribute mentioned the actress's involvement with organizations she believed in, including the Special Olympics, while raising her children.
Her remarks also acknowledged a profound family tragedy: the death of Saint James' youngest child, Teddy, in a private jet crash in 2004 at age 14. Curtin's tribute placed that loss alongside the actress's commitment to her family and her continued work.
The family's statement offered another perspective on her legacy. Rather than concentrating on awards or celebrity status, it described someone who made time for people and instinctively looked for opportunities to help them.
Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol; four children, Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol and Willie Ebersol; seven grandchildren; her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey; and her service dog, Lola.
What This Means Next
Saint James' death closes a chapter in the careers of performers associated with McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie. Her work remains connected to television audiences through those productions, while her five Emmy nominations and Hollywood Walk of Fame recognition document the professional impact of her performances.
The newly confirmed cause of death also clarifies the circumstances surrounding her passing. The available report identifies metastatic pancreatic cancer and says the diagnosis came months before she died. Further medical details, including the specific date of diagnosis, have not been provided in the reported information.
For American viewers revisiting her work, her career offers a reminder of the television partnerships and performances that made her recognizable across multiple decades. Her family's memories and Curtin's tribute add another dimension to that legacy, emphasizing personal generosity, motherhood, friendship and charitable work.
Readers can find the original reporting and additional details in Page Six's report on Saint James' confirmed cause of death.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Susan Saint James' cause of death?
Susan Saint James died from metastatic pancreatic cancer, according to a death certificate obtained by People.
How old was Susan Saint James when she died?
She was 80 years old. She celebrated her 80th birthday in August 2026 and died on October 26, 2026.
When did Susan Saint James die?
She died on October 26, 2026. Her representative confirmed her death publicly on October 27.
What television shows was Susan Saint James famous for?
She was best known for playing Kate McArdle in Kate & Allie and starring alongside Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife.
How many Emmy nominations did Susan Saint James receive?
She received five Emmy nominations: three for McMillan & Wife and two for Kate & Allie.
Who survived Susan Saint James?
She is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children, seven grandchildren, her sister, Mary Mercedes Dewey, and her service dog, Lola.
