Susan Saint James - Life And Career Of A TV Star
Susan Saint James is a name that brings to mind some truly memorable television moments, you know, from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. She became a familiar face in living rooms everywhere, really, known for her captivating presence on screen. Her work spanned several popular shows, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
People often wonder what happened to this well-known performer after her time in the spotlight on shows like "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie." It's a common question, actually, about what she's been up to since those days. Her acting career, as a matter of fact, took a turn after her long run in television.
This piece will explore the path of Susan Saint James, from her early days making a name for herself to her later life. We'll look at her contributions to television, some interesting facts about her journey, and what made her such a recognized figure in entertainment. It's quite a story, you know, about a performer who truly connected with audiences.
Table of Contents
- The Life of Susan Saint James - A Brief Look
- Personal Details and Bio Data of Susan Saint James
- What Were Susan Saint James's Most Famous Roles?
- How Did Susan Saint James Become a Recognized Name?
- What Happened to Susan Saint James's Acting Career?
- Beyond the Screen - Susan Saint James's Activism
- What Are Some Intriguing Facts About Susan Saint James?
- Susan Saint James - A Look Back at a TV Icon
The Life of Susan Saint James - A Brief Look
Susan Saint James, born Susan Jane Miller, came into the world on a summer day, August 14, 1946. She was born in Los Angeles, California, to a family with roots in Connecticut, so her mother, Constance Geiger, was a teacher. There's also information that she was born in Highland Park, Illinois, on that same date. She grew up in Rockford, Illinois, which is interesting, and that's where she spent some of her younger years.
By the time she was 22, Susan Saint James had become quite a household name. This happened after she took on the part of Peggy Maxwell in a television show, you know, really making her presence known to viewers. She quickly made a mark in the entertainment world, becoming a recognized figure in the years that followed.
Her career in television began to take shape during the 1960s, and she continued to be a prominent figure through the 1970s and 1980s. She had a way of appearing on screen that connected with people, which is why she became so popular. Her work spanned a good many years, basically, showing her staying power in a sometimes fast-paced industry.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Susan Saint James
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Susan Jane Miller (Susan Saint James) |
| Born | August 14, 1946 |
| Birthplace | Los Angeles, California / Highland Park, Illinois |
| Occupation | Actress, Activist |
| Known For | "The Name of the Game," "McMillan & Wife," "Kate & Allie" |
| Spouse | Dick Ebersol |
| Emmy Nominations | 10 |
| Emmy Wins | 1 (Best Supporting Actress, 1968) |
| Walk of Fame Star | Yes |
What Were Susan Saint James's Most Famous Roles?
Susan Saint James appeared in various television shows and movies, making her mark in different kinds of stories. One of her earliest and most notable roles was as Peggy Maxwell in "The Name of the Game." For this particular part, she received an Emmy award for best supporting actress in 1968, which is pretty significant for someone so early in their career, you know.
She also became widely known for her part as Sally McMillan in the detective series "McMillan & Wife." This show ran for several years, from 1971 to 1977, and it really solidified her place as a television favorite. However, she did leave the show in 1976 due to a contractual disagreement, so that was a big change for the series.
Later, in 1984, Susan Saint James took on another leading role in the sitcom "Kate & Allie," where she starred alongside Jane Curtin. This show was about two close friends who decided to raise their children together after going through divorces. It was a very popular show, running until 1989. Interestingly, she and Jane Curtin had worked together before, on the 1980 film "How to Beat the High Cost of Living," so they had a bit of history together.
Beyond these well-known television shows, Susan Saint James also appeared in various movies. Some of these included "Love at First Bite" in 1979, where she appeared with George Hamilton, and "Carbon Copy" in 1981, where she shared the screen with Denzel Washington and George Segal. She also appeared in "What's So Bad About Feeling Good?" and, as mentioned in some records, even appeared in "M*A*S*H" and "The Haunting of Bly Manor," which shows a good range of work, basically.
How Did Susan Saint James Become a Recognized Name?
Susan Saint James truly made a name for herself through her consistent presence on television during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. She had a certain way about her, often portraying characters with a kind of lighthearted, slightly quirky charm. People often described her on-screen personality as having a mildly kooky and clumsy free spirit, which, you know, really fit the mood of the late 60s.
Her talent did not go unnoticed by those in the industry. She received a total of ten Emmy nominations throughout her career, which is quite an impressive number. Her win in 1968 for her work in "The Name of the Game" was a significant moment. Her consistent performances and nominations showed that she was a respected performer, definitely, in the television world.
In addition to her awards and nominations, Susan Saint James also has a star on the Walk of Fame, which is a public acknowledgment of her contributions to entertainment. These honors, along with her memorable roles, helped her become a widely recognized and appreciated figure in American television, basically, for many years.
What Happened to Susan Saint James's Acting Career?
Susan Saint James made the decision to step away from acting after "Kate & Allie" finished its run in 1989. This marked the end of her regular appearances on television. Her departure from the screen was a choice she made, moving on from her very successful acting path, you know, after many years in the public eye.
Before that, her time on "McMillan & Wife" also saw a change when she quit in 1976. This was due to a contractual disagreement, as mentioned earlier. Her leaving that show, along with Nancy Walker, who played the housekeeper Mildred, was seen by some as a significant blow to the series. So, she had a history of making decisions about her career path, even when it meant leaving popular shows.
Beyond the Screen - Susan Saint James's Activism
Susan Saint James is known not just for her acting but also for her work as an activist. She has been involved in various causes, showing a commitment to things beyond the entertainment industry. This aspect of her life is an important part of who she is, you know, demonstrating her dedication to making a difference.
She is married to Dick Ebersol, who is a prominent figure in the broadcasting world, having served as chairman of NBC Universal Sports and NBC Olympics. Their lives, naturally, have been intertwined with the world of media and public affairs. It's interesting, too, that her husband, Dick Ebersol, was seriously hurt when his plane crashed in Colorado, which was a very difficult time for their family.
Her role as an activist shows that her interests extend beyond the spotlight of acting. She uses her public recognition to support causes she cares about, which is something many public figures choose to do. It’s a different kind of contribution, essentially, but one that can be just as impactful.
What Are Some Intriguing Facts About Susan Saint James?
There are quite a few interesting things about Susan Saint James that people might not know. For instance, she showed a good amount of versatility in her acting work. She appeared in different kinds of movies and television shows, including comedies, dramas, mysteries, horror stories, and even sports-related productions. This range really highlights her ability to adapt to various storytelling styles, you know, which is a valuable skill for any performer.
Her early life included growing up in Rockford, Illinois, and she became a well-known name at the age of 22. This quick rise to prominence, basically, meant she was in the public eye from a relatively young age. She had a family that she loved being with, which is a nice personal detail to consider.
Her marriage to Dick Ebersol, the NBC executive, is another notable aspect of her life. They have built a life together, and his career in broadcasting certainly links their family to the media world. These personal connections, as a matter of fact, often add another layer to a public figure's story.
Susan Saint James - A Look Back at a TV Icon
Susan Saint James was, in a way, a distinctive presence on television, especially during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. She had a unique appeal, often seen as a lovely and slightly unconventional successor to performers like Shirley MacLaine. Her characters, with their free-spirited and sometimes clumsy qualities, really found their moment during the late 1960s, a time when such personalities were becoming more popular, you know.
Her work on shows like "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie" cemented her status as a television icon. She created memorable characters that resonated with viewers, and her performances brought a certain warmth to the screen. The connection she formed with Jane Curtin on "Kate & Allie" was also a big part of the show's success, really showcasing their chemistry.
Looking back at her filmography, which includes everything from comedy to drama, you can see the breadth of her acting career. She was a consistent presence in many homes, appearing in a variety of projects that entertained a wide audience. Her impact on television during those decades is clear, as she became a beloved figure for many who watched her.
This piece has explored the life and career of Susan Saint James, from her beginnings and family background to her most recognized acting roles in popular television shows like "The Name of the Game," "McMillan & Wife," and "Kate & Allie." We looked at her numerous Emmy nominations and her win, her work as an activist, and some interesting personal facts, including her marriage to Dick Ebersol. It's clear she left a significant mark on the entertainment world during her time in the spotlight.
Susan Saint James Played Sally on "McMillan & Wife." See Her Now at 75
Susan Saint James - Actress, Activist
Susan Saint James, ca. 1970s Stock Photo - Alamy
