Susan Saint James is a celebrated American actress and activist, best known for her significant contributions to television during the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s. Her early foray into the entertainment industry quickly led to a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, paving the way for her breakout role as Peggy Maxwell in the acclaimed series, The Name of the Game.
Beyond her acting career, James has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Special Olympics.
Susan Saint James’ biography
Susan Saint James, born Susan Jane Miller on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, situated in the U.S. state of California, is an American actress and activist renowned for her significant contributions to television during the latter years of the 20th century.
James was born into a family with strong educational values. Her mother, Constance Geiger Miller, was a teacher, and her father, Charles Daniel Miller, worked in the film industry, initially for Mitchell Camera and later became the president of the Testor Corporation. This environment fostered a deep appreciation for education and the arts. Both her mother and grandmother were schoolteachers, which highlighted the importance of education within the family.
Raised in Rockford, Illinois, James attended the Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, a private Catholic school in Lake Forest, Illinois. She pursued further education at Connecticut College for Women, where she continued to cultivate her interests in the arts and performance. It was during her college years that she began modelling, which eventually led her to California to pursue a career in acting.
At 20, James moved to California, where her modelling experience helped her transition into acting. She quickly secured a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, marking the beginning of her professional career in the entertainment industry.
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Susan Saint James Career
James began her professional journey in the entertainment industry shortly after moving to California at the age of 20. She quickly secured a seven-year contract with Universal Studios, which provided her with the opportunity to showcase her talent in various television productions. Her first significant role came in the television movie, “Fame Is the Name of the Game” (1966), where she portrayed Peggy Maxwell, an editorial assistant to an investigative reporter. This role was pivotal, as it led to her being cast in the subsequent series that aired from 1968 to 1971. She earned critical acclaim and an Emmy Award in 1969 for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series”.
Following her success in The Name of the Game, James starred alongside Rock Hudson in the popular detective series, “McMillan & Wife” (1971–1976). In this series, she played Sally McMillan, the wife of Police Commissioner McMillan, who often found herself embroiled in various mysteries and adventures. She got four Emmy nominations due to her performance.
In the late 1970s, she appeared in notable productions such as “Outlaw Blues” (1977) alongside Peter Fonda, the cult classic “Love at First Bite” (1979) with George Hamilton, and the comedy “How to Beat the High Cost of Living” (1980). Despite these film roles, James found her greatest success and comfort in television, where she could develop her characters over multiple episodes.
The 1980s marked another significant phase in James’s career with her role in the sitcom, “Kate & Allie” (1984–1989). Co-starring with Jane Curtin, she played Kate, a liberated woman navigating the challenges of single motherhood and friendship. The show was well-received, ran for five seasons and earned James two Emmy nominations. Her character’s dynamic with Curtin’s more conservative character offered a humorous yet insightful commentary on the evolving roles of women in society during that era.
Throughout the 1980s, James continued to appear in various television movies, including “Magic Carpet” (1972), “Desperate Women” (1978) and “The Kid from Nowhere” (1982).
After the conclusion of Kate & Allie, James chose to step back from the limelight to focus on her family and charitable work. She moved to Connecticut and became actively involved in various philanthropic efforts, particularly with the Special Olympics, where she served on the board of directors. Her commitment to volunteerism earned her recognition and respect.
In the years that followed, James made occasional appearances on talk shows and guest-starred in series such as “MASH”, “The Drew Carey Show” (1995), and more recent roles in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Suits”. Her presence in the industry was acknowledged when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2008.
Susan Saint James movies
Films
Here are some of the movies Saint James has featured in:
P.J. (1968)
The film followed the story of a private investigator named P.J. (George Peppard) as he investigated a case involving a wealthy businessman’s missing mistress.
Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows! (1968)
James appeared in this comedy set in a Catholic girls’ school. The film centred around a group of students and their nun chaperones as they travelled across the United States, encountering various misadventures along the way.
Jigsaw (1968)
This crime thriller featured James in a supporting role. The film revolved around a serial killer targeting young women in New York City.
Outlaw Blues (1977)
James starred in this action comedy about a country singer, who escapes from prison to pursue his dream of recording an album. The film highlighted her ability to blend comedy and drama effectively.
Love at First Bite (1979)
James appeared alongside George Hamilton in this cult classic Dracula spoof. The film follows Count Dracula as he travels to New York City and falls in love with a young woman named Cindy Sondheim (Susan Saint James). Her performance in this comedy showcased her comedic talents.
How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980)
The film centred around three housewives who devise a plan to rob a shopping mall to alleviate their financial troubles.
Television
The Name of the Game (1968-1971)
James’ breakout role came in the television series, The Name of the Game, where she played Peggy Maxwell, an editorial assistant to investigative reporter Tony Franciosa. She won an Emmy Award in 1969 for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series” for her performance in this role.
McMillan & Wife (1971-1976)
From 1971 to 1976, James starred in the detective series, McMillan & Wife. She portrayed Sally McMillan, the wife of Police Commissioner McMillan, who often found herself embroiled in various mysteries and adventures alongside her husband. Her performance earned her four Emmy nominations.
Kate & Allie (1984-1989)
In the 1980s, James played Kate, a liberated woman navigating the challenges of single motherhood and friendship. She earned two Emmy nominations for her portrayal in the movie.
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Susan Saint James’ net worth
According to Celebrity Net Worth, James has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Susan Saint James’ family
James’s first marriage was to Richard Neubert, a writer and producer, in 1967. However, this marriage was short-lived, ending in divorce just a year later in 1968.
Following this, she married Tom Lucas, a makeup artist, in 1971. This marriage also did not last, and they divorced in 1974. During this time, she was also linked romantically to several notable figures, including actor Peter Fonda and musician Stephen Stills.
In 1981, while guest-hosting an episode of Saturday Night Live, Susan met Dick Ebersol, the show’s executive producer. Their relationship blossomed and they married on November 21, 1981, after dating for just a month. Ebersol is well-known for his work in television, particularly with NBC, where he served as the chairman of NBC Sports and Olympics from 1989 to 2011.
Together, James and Ebersol have three sons: Charles, William and Edward (nicknamed Teddy). Their family faced a tragic event in November 2004 when a private plane crash in Colorado claimed the life of their son Teddy, who was just 14 years old. The crash also resulted in the deaths of the pilot and flight attendant, though Ebersol and his other son, Charles, survived.
Susan Saint James’ age
James was born on August 14, 1946. She is 78 years old as of 2024.
Susan Saint James now
Susan Saint James has largely stepped away from acting in recent decades to focus on her family and philanthropic work.
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