Susan Saint James Dies at 80: Jane Curtin Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Kate & Allie Co-Star Following Brave Pancreatic Cancer Battle

Two-time Emmy nominee Susan Saint James, celebrated worldwide for her starring role in the groundbreaking television sitcom Kate & Allie, has died at the age of 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Her passing was confirmed by her representative in a statement released to People, triggering an immediate outpouring of emotion led by her longtime co-star and friend Jane Curtin.

“We lost a decent person today,” Curtin stated to Page Six. “Susan St. James was a decent person who made ‘Kate and Allie’ a joy. She juggled a really full life from the Ed Sullivan Theater in between working on stage and being the Mom on set.”

Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James smiling against an orange background.

A Groundbreaking Screen Partnership and Unshakable Bond

During the 1980s, Saint James and Curtin redefined situational comedy by portraying Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell, two divorced mothers navigating independent life together under one roof with their children.

The sitcom challenged conventional depictions of single parenthood, yet Saint James remained firmly grounded regarding the characters’ motivations.

Reflecting on the role in 1984, she told People: “This is not a statement saying, ‘Girls, leave the guys and go live with your best friend.’ Kate and Allie didn’t plan this. It’s just the best solution they could think of, and their friendship sustains them.”

Jane Curtin and Susan Saint James in a kitchen scene from the television series Kate & Allie.

Saint James earned two Emmy nominations for her compelling portrayal of McArdle, anchoring a sitcom filmed before live audiences in New York.

Curtin, now 79, recalled the profound sense of connection that defined their years together on the set of the Manhattan studio.

“Susan was my friend, and working with her brought such laughter, community and family to the stage at the Ed Sullivan Theater,” Curtin added. “I’ll miss her.”

Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin lean against a kitchen counter in a still from the sitcom Kate & Allie.

Resilience Amid Heartbreaking Loss and Tireless Advocacy

Beyond her distinguished screen career, Saint James channelled immense energy into charitable endeavours, most notably dedicating years of service to the Special Olympics.

Her public warmth existed alongside immense personal endurance, having faced profound domestic tragedy when her youngest son, Teddy, died in a private aircraft crash in 2004 at just 14 years of age.

Actors Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin.

Curtin praised her co-star’s remarkable spirit during those unimaginably painful periods, commending her capacity to remain focused on others whilst carrying profound private grief.

“She worked tirelessly for organizations she believed in like the Special Olympics,” Curtin noted. “All the while raising children and going through the horrors of losing a child.”

Susan Saint James and Jane Curtin attend an event.

A Legacy Rooted in Genuine Empathy

Prior to Kate & Allie, Saint James rose to prominence as a regular on The Name of the Game, cementing her reputation as one of television’s most versatile leading performers.

Her family representative emphasised that her true defining feature was an instinctive warmth directed at everyone she encountered, whether high-profile figures or total strangers.

• Universal Generosity: She valued time and energy far above monetary wealth, dedicating both to whoever required support.
• Grounding Principles: She actively taught her children to pause, show kindness, and prioritise the welfare of others.
• Unconditional Regard: From boardroom colleagues to high street shop assistants, she made every individual feel like the most vital person present.

Actress Susan Saint James poses with her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

“She never met a stranger,” her spokesperson stated. “Every person she met became the most important person in the room at that moment, from a fellow board member to the clerk at the shoe store, who usually walked away knowing her entire life story.”

The actress is survived by her husband, television executive Dick Ebersol, whom she married in 1981, along with her children Sunshine Lucas, Harmony Lucas, Charlie Ebersol, and Willie Ebersol.

Portrait of Susan Saint James leaning against a stone pillar, wearing a red sweater vest and a white button-down shirt.

💡 The mark left by Susan Saint James stretches far beyond classic sitcom broadcasts, surviving through the lives she uplifted across decades of advocacy.

🔍 Her distinctive ability to combine humour, professional excellence, and extraordinary grace under adversity continues to offer lessons in humanity.

👇 Which performance of Susan Saint James resonated with you the most over the years? Share your memories in the comments below.

Source: pagesix.com