Susan St. James: A Classic Hollywood Star

Who is Susan Saint James?

Susan Saint James, born Susan Jane Miller, is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie."

She began her career in the 1960s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. In 1971, she landed her breakthrough role as Sally McMillan in "McMillan & Wife," a crime drama series that ran for seven seasons. Saint James received two Emmy Award nominations for her role in the series.

In 1984, Saint James starred in the sitcom "Kate & Allie," which ran for six seasons. She played Allie Lowell, a divorced mother of two who shares an apartment with Kate McArdle, a divorced advertising executive played by Jane Curtin. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Saint James received two more Emmy Award nominations for her role.

Saint James has also appeared in a number of films, including "The Towering Inferno" (1974), "Love at First Bite" (1979), and "The Longshot" (1986). She has also guest-starred on numerous television shows, including "Murder, She Wrote," "Frasier," and "Desperate Housewives."

Saint James is a talented actress who has enjoyed a long and successful career in television and film. She is best known for her roles in "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," but she has also appeared in a number of other popular shows and films.

Susan Saint James

Early Life and Career

Susan Saint James was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 14, 1946. Her father, Charles Miller, was a doctor, and her mother, Jane Miller, was a nurse. Saint James attended the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied drama. After graduating from college, she moved to New York City to pursue her acting career.

Breakthrough Role in "McMillan & Wife"

In 1971, Saint James landed her breakthrough role as Sally McMillan in the television series "McMillan & Wife." The series starred Rock Hudson as McMillan, a San Francisco police commissioner, and Saint James as his wife, Sally. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Saint James received two Emmy Award nominations for her role.

"Kate & Allie" and Later Career

In 1984, Saint James starred in the sitcom "Kate & Allie," which ran for six seasons. She played Allie Lowell, a divorced mother of two who shares an apartment with Kate McArdle, a divorced advertising executive played by Jane Curtin. The series was a critical and commercial success, and Saint James received two more Emmy Award nominations for her role.

Saint James has also appeared in a number of films, including "The Towering Inferno" (1974), "Love at First Bite" (1979), and "The Longshot" (1986). She has also guest-starred on numerous television shows, including "Murder, She Wrote," "Frasier," and "Desperate Housewives."

Personal Life

Susan Saint James has been married twice. Her first marriage, to actor Dick Ebersol, ended in divorce in 1981. In 1985, she married businessman Richard Cohen. They have two children together.

Legacy

Susan Saint James is a talented actress who has enjoyed a long and successful career in television and film. She is best known for her roles in "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie," but she has also appeared in a number of other popular shows and films. Saint James is a role model for many young women, and she has shown that it is possible to have a successful career in the entertainment industry while also being a wife and mother.

Susan Saint James

Susan Saint James is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie."

• Breakthrough Role: "McMillan & Wife"
• Sitcom Success: "Kate & Allie"
• Emmy Nominations: Four
• Film Appearances: "The Towering Inferno," "Love at First Bite"
• Personal Life: Married twice, two children
• Legacy: Role model for women

Susan Saint James' breakthrough role came in the television series "McMillan & Wife," where she played the wife of a San Francisco police commissioner. She went on to star in the sitcom "Kate & Allie," which ran for six seasons and earned her two Emmy Award nominations. Saint James has also appeared in a number of films, including "The Towering Inferno" and "Love at First Bite." She is a talented actress who has enjoyed a long and successful career in television and film.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Breakthrough Role

Susan Saint James' breakthrough role came in the television series "McMillan & Wife," where she played Sally McMillan, the wife of a San Francisco police commissioner. The series ran for seven seasons and earned Saint James two Emmy Award nominations. Her performance in the role helped to establish her as a leading lady in television.

• Critical Acclaim: Saint James' performance in "McMillan & Wife" was praised by critics, who lauded her comedic timing and chemistry with co-star Rock Hudson. The role earned her two Emmy Award nominations, solidifying her status as a rising star in television.
• Career Catalyst: The success of "McMillan & Wife" helped to launch Saint James' career. The series ran for seven seasons, giving her a steady income and a platform to showcase her talents. It also led to other roles in television and film, including her starring role in the sitcom "Kate & Allie."
• Cultural Impact: "McMillan & Wife" was a popular and influential television series. It was one of the first shows to feature a female police commissioner, and it helped to break down stereotypes about women in law enforcement. Saint James' role as Sally McMillan was a positive and empowering portrayal of a working woman.

Susan Saint James' breakthrough role in "McMillan & Wife" was a major turning point in her career. It helped to establish her as a leading lady in television, and it led to other roles in television and film. The series was also a cultural phenomenon, helping to break down stereotypes about women in law enforcement. Saint James' performance in the role was praised by critics and audiences alike, and it remains one of her most iconic roles.

Sitcom Success

Susan Saint James' sitcom success in "Kate & Allie" was a major turning point in her career. The show, which ran for six seasons, was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to make Saint James a household name. The show's success can be attributed to a number of factors, including Saint James' strong performance, the show's relatable characters, and its exploration of important social issues.

Saint James played Allie Lowell, a divorced mother of two who shares an apartment with Kate McArdle, a divorced advertising executive played by Jane Curtin. The show explored the challenges and rewards of single parenthood, and it offered a positive and realistic portrayal of female friendship. Saint James' performance was praised by critics for its warmth, humor, and authenticity.

The show's success also helped to raise awareness of important social issues, such as divorce, single parenthood, and the changing roles of women in society. "Kate & Allie" was one of the first sitcoms to feature a divorced female protagonist, and it helped to break down stereotypes about single mothers and working women.

Saint James' success in "Kate & Allie" solidified her status as a leading lady in television. The show's success also helped to pave the way for other sitcoms that explored important social issues, such as "Murphy Brown" and "Roseanne." Saint James' performance in the show is still considered one of her most iconic roles, and it remains a popular and influential sitcom today.

Emmy Nominations

Susan Saint James has been nominated for four Emmy Awards, two for her role in "McMillan & Wife" and two for her role in "Kate & Allie." These nominations are a testament to her talent and dedication as an actress.

Saint James' first Emmy nomination came in 1974 for her role as Sally McMillan in "McMillan & Wife." She was nominated again in 1975 for the same role. Her third Emmy nomination came in 1985 for her role as Allie Lowell in "Kate & Allie." She was nominated again in 1986 for the same role.

Saint James' Emmy nominations are a significant achievement, as the Emmy Awards are one of the most prestigious awards in television. Her nominations are a recognition of her talent and her ability to connect with audiences.

Film Appearances

Susan Saint James has appeared in a number of films, including "The Towering Inferno" (1974) and "Love at First Bite" (1979). These films showcase her versatility as an actress and her ability to play a wide range of roles.

"The Towering Inferno" is a disaster film about a fire that breaks out in a skyscraper. Saint James plays Susan Franklin, a tenant who is trapped in the building. She gives a strong performance in the film, conveying the terror and desperation of her character.

"Love at First Bite" is a comedy horror film about a vampire who falls in love with a human woman. Saint James plays Cindy Sondheim, the human woman who falls in love with the vampire. She gives a charming and funny performance in the film, and she has great chemistry with her co-star George Hamilton.

Saint James' film appearances are a significant part of her career. They showcase her talent and versatility as an actress, and they have helped to make her a household name. Her films have also been successful at the box office, and they have helped to raise her profile in the entertainment industry.

Personal Life

Susan Saint James' personal life has been marked by two marriages and two children. Her first marriage, to actor Dick Ebersol, ended in divorce in 1981. In 1985, she married businessman Richard Cohen. They have two children together.

• Marriage and Family: Saint James' marriages and children have played a significant role in her life. She has been married twice and has two children. Her family has been a source of support and stability for her throughout her career.
• Work-Life Balance: Saint James has been able to successfully balance her career and personal life. She has been able to maintain a successful acting career while also being a wife and mother.
• Role Model: Saint James is a role model for many women. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a fulfilling personal life.

Saint James' personal life is an important part of her story. It has shaped her as a person and as an actress. She is a strong and independent woman who has been able to achieve success in both her career and personal life.

Legacy

Susan Saint James is a role model for women because she has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a fulfilling personal life. She is a strong and independent woman who has been able to achieve success in both her career and personal life.

• Breaking stereotypes: Saint James has broken down stereotypes about women in both her personal and professional life. She was one of the first actresses to play a divorced female protagonist on television, and she has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights.
• Positive portrayal of women: Saint James' characters are often strong, independent, and intelligent women. She has played a variety of roles, from a police commissioner's wife to a single mother, and she has always portrayed her characters with dignity and respect.
• Inspiration to others: Saint James is an inspiration to other women because she shows that it is possible to have it all. She has had a successful career, a happy marriage, and two children. She is a role model for women who want to achieve their goals without sacrificing their personal lives.

Saint James' legacy as a role model for women is significant. She has shown that it is possible to be a successful woman in both your career and personal life. She is an inspiration to other women who want to achieve their goals without sacrificing their personal lives.

FAQs about Susan Saint James

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Susan Saint James, offering concise and informative answers to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Question 1: What is Susan Saint James best known for?

Susan Saint James is best known for her roles in the television series "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie." In "McMillan & Wife," she played Sally McMillan, the wife of a San Francisco police commissioner. In "Kate & Allie," she played Allie Lowell, a divorced mother of two who shares an apartment with a divorced advertising executive.

Question 2: How many Emmy Awards has Susan Saint James won?

Susan Saint James has been nominated for four Emmy Awards, but she has not won any.

These FAQs provide key information about Susan Saint James and her career, addressing common questions and misconceptions. By offering concise and informative answers, this section enhances the reader's understanding of the subject.

Conclusion

Susan Saint James has had a long and successful career in television and film, with roles that have broken down stereotypes and inspired women. Her performances in "McMillan & Wife" and "Kate & Allie" are particularly notable, showcasing her talent for portraying strong, independent, and relatable female characters.

Saint James' legacy as a role model for women is significant. She has shown that it is possible to have a successful career and a fulfilling personal life. She is an inspiration to other women who want to achieve their goals without sacrificing their personal lives.