LOS ANGELES — Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress celebrated for her roles in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, died on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80. Her death was reported on October 27, prompting tributes to an accomplished television career and a life marked by family devotion and charitable work. A representative confirmed her death to People magazine, which reported that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Saint James became a familiar face to American television audiences through memorable performances spanning several decades. After achieving success in Hollywood, she largely stepped away from regular acting to raise her children and devote more time to causes she cared about.

Alongside tributes to her performances and generosity, many readers have been searching for information about Susan Saint James’ cause of death, family, career and estimated net worth in 2026.

Susan Saint James Cause of Death: Pancreatic Cancer

Susan Saint James died after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to reporting by People and the Associated Press. Her representative confirmed the news following her death on October 26. The family did not publicly provide further details about the timing of her diagnosis or her treatment.

In a statement shared with People, her family remembered her as a generous and attentive person who made others feel valued. They described someone who readily connected with strangers and gave her time and energy to people who needed encouragement.

Saint James was born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, and grew up in Rockford, Illinois. Her death came a little more than two months after her 80th birthday.

Her family also reflected on the profound grief she endured after the death of her youngest son, Teddy, in a 2004 plane crash. Despite that loss, she continued to support others and remained committed to her family and charitable activities.

Susan Saint James Net Worth in 2026

Susan Saint James’ net worth was estimated at $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth, which listed the figure following her death in October 2026. However, the website explicitly describes this as the combined fortune of Saint James and her husband, Dick Ebersol, rather than a verified valuation of her individual assets.

Her long television career was a significant part of her professional life. Saint James also pursued business interests, including co-founding Seedling & Pip, a company specialising in baby gifts and books. She and Ebersol were also involved in radio ownership and held real estate in several locations.

The couple’s property history included a home in Telluride, Colorado, a longtime residence in Connecticut and other properties. Celebrity Net Worth reported that they purchased a Los Angeles home for $6.7 million in 2024. The website’s estimates are based on publicly available information and should not be interpreted as official financial disclosures.

Saint James married Ebersol in 1981 after meeting him when she hosted Saturday Night Live. He later became a prominent television producer and sports executive. Their decades-long relationship and family life remained an important part of her story.

The exact value of Saint James’ personal estate has not been publicly established in the sources cited here.

Her Career: From The Name of the Game to Kate & Allie

Saint James built her reputation through several major television roles, beginning with her portrayal of Peggy Maxwell in The Name of the Game. Her performance earned her an Emmy Award in 1969, establishing her as a rising television star.

She went on to star as Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in the crime drama McMillan & Wife, which aired during the 1970s. The role brought her wider recognition and additional Emmy nominations.

Her next major success came with the CBS sitcom Kate & Allie, in which she played Kate McArdle alongside Jane Curtin. The series followed two divorced women who shared a home while raising their children. It ran from 1984 to 1989 and became one of the performances most closely associated with Saint James.

After Kate & Allie ended, Saint James largely withdrew from full-time acting to focus on raising her family. She made occasional later appearances, including roles on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Suits, while maintaining her interest in charitable work.

Family Life and the Loss of Her Son Teddy

Saint James’ family life was central to her decision to step away from the demands of a regular acting career. She and Ebersol had three sons together: Charles, William and Edward, known as Teddy. She also had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her marriage to makeup artist Thomas Lucas. Public reports identify four surviving children in total.

In November 2004, Teddy died at age 14 in a private plane crash. Ebersol and their son Charles survived the accident with serious injuries. The loss was a devastating event for the family, and Saint James later became a source of support for other parents experiencing grief.

Her family remembered the way she continued to look after others through difficult periods in her own life. That commitment was reflected in her charitable activities and long association with Special Olympics.

Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children and seven grandchildren, according to published reports.

Susan Saint James’ Charity Work and Lasting Legacy

Beyond television, Saint James was a longtime supporter of Special Olympics, volunteering and serving on its board. She spoke publicly about the importance of the organisation and the influence its athletes and community had on her life. Her involvement became a lasting part of her identity beyond acting.

Her legacy rests on more than her Emmy-winning performances. Through The Name of the Game, McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, she became part of several generations’ television memories. Her later years also reflected a deliberate choice to prioritise family, community involvement and helping others.

For fans remembering Susan Saint James in 2026, her death marks the loss of a familiar television presence whose career reached across genres and decades.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Susan Saint James die?

Susan Saint James died on October 26, 2026, at age 80, after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, according to her representative’s confirmation reported by People.

What was Susan Saint James’ net worth in 2026?

Celebrity Net Worth estimated her combined net worth with husband Dick Ebersol at $60 million. The figure is an estimate, not a verified statement of Saint James’ personal assets or estate.

What was Susan Saint James best known for?

She was best known for starring in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, as well as for her Emmy-winning performance in The Name of the Game.

How many children did Susan Saint James have?

Published reports identify five children across her marriages, including her late son Teddy. She is reported to have been survived by four children and seven grandchildren.

What is Susan Saint James remembered for beyond acting?

She is also remembered for her family devotion, her support for Special Olympics and her generosity toward people in her community.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes. Net worth figures are estimates drawn from publicly available sources and are not verified financial disclosures. Information about family and career is based on published reporting.