Emmy-Winning Actress Susan Saint James, Former Litchfield Radio Station Owner, Dies At 80

LITCHFIELD, CT — Susan Saint James, the Emmy Award-winning actress known for her roles in "Kate & Allie," "McMillan & Wife" and "The Name of the Game," died Monday at age 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Saint James, a longtime Litchfield resident, was remembered by local radio station 97.3 WZBG, which she helped establish in 1992. She hosted one of its original shows, "Betty in the Beehive."

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Saint James and her husband, television executive Dick Ebersol, co-founded WZBG with Virginia and Michael Mortara.

"We are saddened to share the passing of Susan Saint James Ebersol, a beloved member of our radio family and longtime Litchfield resident," the station wrote on Facebook.

Born in Los Angeles, Saint James grew up in Rockford, Illinois, and later attended Connecticut College, according to an obituary published by Legacy.

She rose to fame in the television series "The Name of the Game," for which she won an Emmy Award. She later starred opposite Rock Hudson in "McMillan & Wife" and alongside Jane Curtin in the popular 1980s sitcom "Kate & Allie."

Her film credits included "Love at First Bite," "Outlaw Blues" and "How to Beat the High Cost of Living."

Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children and seven grandchildren.

"Susan Saint James will always have a place in our hearts here at WZBG Radio," the station wrote. "Thank you, Susie."