Emmy-winning actress Susan Saint James reportedly passed away on October 26, 2026, at the age of 80 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The news has brought renewed attention to the family she built away from Hollywood, including her husband of 45 years, television executive Dick Ebersol, her five children and seven grandchildren. Best remembered for her performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, Saint James balanced a successful acting career with a personal life centered on marriage, motherhood and family relationships.
Saint James experienced several important milestones and difficult losses throughout her life. Her marriage to Ebersol became one of her most enduring relationships, while her children pursued different paths in entertainment, business and private life.
Who Was Susan Saint James’ Husband?
Susan Saint James was married to television executive Dick Ebersol, a prominent figure in American broadcasting who served as chairman of NBC Sports and played an influential role in television coverage of major sporting events.
The couple met in 1981 when Saint James appeared as a guest host on Saturday Night Live. Their connection developed quickly, and they married approximately six weeks after meeting.
Their marriage lasted 45 years, making it one of the longest relationships in Saint James’ personal life.
Ebersol’s demanding television career and Saint James’ acting commitments placed both individuals in the entertainment industry, although their professional interests were different.
Together, they raised three sons and maintained a family life that generally remained outside the constant attention of Hollywood.
Susan Saint James’ Previous Marriages
Before marrying Dick Ebersol, Susan Saint James had been married twice.
Her first husband was Richard Neubert, a writer and producer. They married in 1967, but their relationship ended in 1968.
Saint James subsequently married makeup artist Tom Lucas in 1971. During their six-year marriage, the couple welcomed two children, Sunshine and Harmony.
Their marriage ended in 1977, several years before Saint James met Ebersol.
Although her first two marriages were relatively brief, her relationship with Ebersol became a defining part of her family history.
How Many Children Did Susan Saint James Have?
Susan Saint James had five children from her marriages to Tom Lucas and Dick Ebersol.
Her two children with Lucas were Sunshine Lucas, born in 1972, and Harmony Lucas, born in 1974.
Following her marriage to Ebersol, she welcomed three sons: Charlie Ebersol in 1982, Willie Ebersol in 1986 and Edward “Teddy” Ebersol in 1990.
Her children grew up with connections to the entertainment industry, although not all chose careers in television or filmmaking.
Four of Saint James’ five children survived her, while her youngest son, Teddy, was killed in a plane crash in 2004.
Her family also includes seven grandchildren, reflecting the generations that followed her successful television career.
Sunshine and Harmony Lucas
Sunshine Lucas is Saint James’ eldest child from her marriage to Tom Lucas.
Born in 1972, Sunshine has maintained a comparatively private lifestyle rather than pursuing the same level of public recognition as her mother.
Limited information is available about her professional activities and personal relationships, reflecting her decision to remain largely outside the entertainment spotlight.
Harmony Lucas, born in 1974, is Saint James’ second child with Tom Lucas.
Like Sunshine, Harmony has generally avoided extensive media attention. His life has remained more private than those of his younger half-brothers, who became involved in television production.
Both children represent an important part of Saint James’ family history before her marriage to Ebersol.
Charlie Ebersol’s Career and Family Life
Charlie Ebersol, born in 1982, is the eldest son of Susan Saint James and Dick Ebersol.
He followed his parents into the entertainment industry, establishing himself as a television producer, filmmaker and entrepreneur.
Charlie became involved in documentary filmmaking and sports-related media ventures, developing projects that combined entertainment with business opportunities.
His professional career has included work on television productions and efforts to establish new sports entertainment platforms.
Charlie also experienced one of the family’s most difficult moments when he survived the 2004 plane crash that claimed his younger brother Teddy’s life.
The accident had a lasting impact on the Ebersol family and became an important part of Charlie’s personal history.
Willie Ebersol and His Television Work
Willie Ebersol, born in 1986, also developed a career in entertainment.
He became known for his work as a director, producer and screenwriter, contributing to sports and television productions.
His professional interests reflect the influence of growing up in a household connected to both acting and television broadcasting.
Willie’s work has earned industry recognition, including an Emmy Award.
Although he has followed a creative career, he has generally maintained a lower public profile than his parents.
The Tragic Loss of Teddy Ebersol
One of the most heartbreaking events in Susan Saint James’ family history occurred on November 28, 2004.
Her youngest son, Edward “Teddy” Ebersol, was killed in a private plane crash at Montrose Regional Airport in Colorado.
Teddy was only 14 years old.
His father, Dick Ebersol, and older brother Charlie were also aboard the aircraft and survived, although they suffered injuries.
The tragedy profoundly affected the family, which subsequently supported initiatives honoring Teddy’s memory.
His legacy became associated with youth development, sports and community programs.
For Saint James, the loss represented an unimaginable personal tragedy that remained part of her family’s story for decades.
Susan Saint James’ Niece Christa Miller
Saint James also had a notable family connection to actress Christa Miller, known for her performances in Scrubs, The Drew Carey Show and Shrinking.
Miller is Saint James’ niece and developed her own successful career in television comedy.
Their family connection linked two generations of actresses who became recognizable figures in American entertainment.
While Saint James gained recognition through television roles beginning in the 1960s, Miller built her career through sitcoms and comedy-drama productions.
Their shared profession became another distinctive aspect of the family’s entertainment background.
A Family Legacy Beyond Television
Susan Saint James built a career that brought her national recognition, but her personal life extended far beyond her achievements as an actress.
Her 45-year marriage to Dick Ebersol, relationships with her children and experiences as a grandmother formed an important part of her identity.
The family’s history includes successful careers, private accomplishments and the enduring impact of losing Teddy at a young age.
Following reports of her passing in October 2026, attention has returned to the people closest to her and the relationships that shaped her life.
Beyond her memorable performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, Saint James leaves a family legacy connected to television, sports, filmmaking and several generations of loved ones.