Emmy-winning actress Susan Saint James died on Monday, October 26, 2026, at the age of 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. While she became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s starring in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, her meteoric rise to fame began in the mid-to-late 1960s, where she established herself as a remarkably talented, charismatic, and refreshing young presence on television.
Saint James landed her first major television job at age 20 in the TV movie pilot Fame Is the Name of the Game. Audiences instantly fell in love with her portrayal of Peggy Maxwell, a sharp and inquisitive editorial research assistant. When the pilot was picked up as a full wheel-series titled The Name of the Game in 1968, she continued her role. Her performance was a massive critical success, earning her three Emmy nominations and a win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1969.
In an era of traditional Hollywood glamour, Saint James intentionally downplayed her high-fashion model looks for a relatable, “girl next door” magnetism. She infused her characters with a delightful mix of down-to-earth charm, intelligence, and playful klutziness. She further showcased her comedic chops as a recurring quirky thief alongside Robert Wagner in It Takes a Thief (1968) and appeared in the 1968 comedy film Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows.
She transitioned out of the 1960s as one of television’s brightest young stars, paving the way for her legendary run as Sally McMillan in the 1970s. She is remembered by her family and fans not just for her six-decade career, but for her immense kindness, vibrant personality, and lifelong advocacy work with the Special Olympics.



































