With her mother’s approval, the Hollywood star started taking acting lessons to hone her craft. However, it wasn’t long before she realized that dedicating endless time to acting classes could lead to stagnation.
The famous actress circa 1971.
She decided to start working and earning a living, setting her apart from many hopefuls who often spent years waiting for their big break. Her determination paid off as she began landing roles on television, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable actresses of her time.
The actress filming “McMillan & Wife” in 1972.
During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, she became widely known for her roles in some of the most popular TV shows of the era. Her most famous roles were in the detective series “McMillan & Wife,” where she played the witty and lovable Sally McMillan.
She also starred in the sitcom “Kate & Allie,” in which she charmed viewers with her portrayal of a single mother navigating life with her best friend.
The Hollywood star filming “Kate & Allie” in 1985.
Despite the star’s success in Hollywood, she made a life-changing decision to step back from acting to focus on her family. After “Kate & Allie” ended, she embraced motherhood fully, devoting herself to raising her five children.
The famous actress and Dick Ebersol photographed in New York, circa 1970.
The two built a strong partnership that withstood the demands of the entertainment industry. While her husband was often busy with his career — most notably his work with the Olympic Games — their relationship thrived through mutual understanding and dedication. As of 2024, the couple has celebrated 42 years of marriage.
The Hollywood star and Dick Ebersol during Senator Joe Kennedy’s fundraiser on December 1, 1988, in New York.
However, despite the actress’s successful career and family life, tragedy struck in November 2004, when one of her sons, 14-year-old Edward “Teddy” Ebersol, was killed in a plane crash. The charter he had boarded crashed at an airport in southwestern Colorado.
After an extensive search, his body was discovered pinned beneath the wreckage of the aircraft. “I’m not going to discuss the condition of the body out of respect for the family,” Montrose County Coroner Mark Young said during a news conference.
In the years following her son’s death, the actress retired from acting, deciding to focus on her family and lead a much simpler life. Now living a quiet life with her husband, she splits her time between their large home in Connecticut and a more relaxing retreat in Hawaii.
The famous actress shooting “The Girls in the Office” in 1979.
The retired star described how her life in Hawaii is filled with long walks and easygoing days, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of her earlier years.
The former “McMillan & Wife” star reflected, “Our menu is simple, our life is simple, and it’s really relaxing and nice. We’re just going through life together. I get to enjoy my seven grandkids, so I’m really busy, but I love it.”
A portrait of the Hollywood star filming “Love at First Bite” in 1979.
This actress is none other than Susan Saint James, 78. Though she stepped away from Hollywood years ago, her legacy and timeless beauty still captivate fans. See her transformation over the decades and how this legendary star has evolved from the 1970s to today.
Susan Saint James at the premiere of “The China Syndrome” on March 6, 1979, in Los Angeles, California.
’70s
Susan Saint James and Rock Hudson during a promotional photoshoot for “McMillan & Wife” in 1974.
Susan Saint James on the set of “SOS Titanic” in 1979.
’80s
Susan Saint James during a promotional photoshoot for “Saturday Night Live” in 1983.
Susan Saint James at the Third Annual Night of 100 Trees Gala to Benefit the New York Special Olympics on December 18, 1984, in New York.
2000s
Susan Saint James during the “Mean Girls” New York premiere on April 23, 2004.
Susan Saint James photographed on May 31, 2006.
2010s
Susan Saint James at Charlie Ebersol’s “Charlieland” birthday party and charity event on December 8, 2012, in Los Angeles, California.
Susan Saint James at the “Suffragette” New York premiere on October 12, 2015.
2020s
Although Saint James retired from acting, the former “McMillan & Wife” star hasn’t completely been out of the public eye. In 2022, social media users commented on how stunning the former Hollywood star still looks, with many praising her for aging gracefully and maintaining her signature elegance.
