# Susan Saint James' Death Certificate Reveals Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

Official documents confirm the actress passed away at 80 following a months-long battle.

- **Source:** [Latest news RSS](https://feeds.ibtimes.co.uk/feeds/bhsz8.rss)
- **Published:** 2026-11-06
- **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture)
- **Original article:** <https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/susan-saint-james-death-certificate-cancer-1830510>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/5765cd85-7e92-43c8-88d2-d4101941d893

## Official Cause of Death

The death certificate for actress Susan Saint James confirms she passed away from metastatic pancreatic cancer. The document, obtained by media outlets, specifies that the disease progressed over a period of several months before her death on October 26. She was 80 years old at the time of her passing.

## Limited Clinical Details

While the official documentation identifies the primary cause of death, it does not disclose specific medical timelines regarding her diagnosis. The records remain silent on the exact nature of the treatments she underwent during her final months. Her representatives had previously confirmed the diagnosis shortly after her death occurred in October.

## Legacy of Compassion

Following her passing, the family of Susan Saint James released an emotional tribute highlighting her character. They described her as a woman who prioritized generosity and kindness over financial success. Her relatives noted that she possessed an innate ability to make everyone she encountered feel valued, regardless of their social background.

## Humanitarian Personal Approach

Family members recalled that Saint James never met a stranger, often turning brief interactions with shop clerks or board members into meaningful conversations. She actively taught her children the importance of empathy and looking out for others. This consistent positivity remained a defining trait throughout her life and her professional career.

## Breakthrough Television Success

Susan Saint James rose to national prominence in 1971 with the NBC series McMillan & Wife. She starred as Sally, the wife of police commissioner Stewart McMillan, played by Rock Hudson. The show ran for six successful seasons until 1977, establishing her as a household name in American television during that decade.

## Collaboration on Kate & Allie

In the 1980s, Saint James achieved further acclaim starring alongside Jane Curtin in the sitcom Kate & Allie. The show depicted two divorced women raising children together. Saint James played a pivotal role in convincing Curtin to join the project, encouraging her through multiple readings until they performed before a live audience.

## Personal Life and Family

Saint James married Saturday Night Live co-creator Dick Ebersol in 1981, and they raised three sons: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy. The family suffered a profound tragedy in 2004 when their youngest son, Teddy, died in a plane crash at age 14. She also had two daughters from a previous marriage to Tom Lucas.

## Enduring Cultural Impact

The passing of Susan Saint James marks the end of a significant chapter for television history. Her career spanned decades of iconic roles that resonated with diverse audiences. Beyond her professional achievements, she is remembered for the personal fire and compassionate spirit she brought to every aspect of her private life.

## Sources covering this story

- https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/susan-saint-james-death-certificate-cancer-1830510 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._
