This Retired ‘McMillan & Wife’ Star Suffered the Tragic Death of Her 14-Year-Old Son — Photos of How She Looks in Recent Years

A former television star who once lit up screens in hit shows faced unimaginable tragedy with the loss of her teenage son. Now living a quieter life as a grandmother, fans are still captivated by her grace and beauty. See how this beloved actress has changed over the years.

This actress was a familiar face on television for decades, earning recognition for her talent and charm. As a young woman, she relocated to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming an actress.

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In pursuit of this goal, she lived at the Hollywood Studio Club, a residence for aspiring female entertainers, and it didn’t take long for her to make her mark. The facility had a sterling reputation for nurturing talent, once housing icons like Grace Kelly.

With her mother’s approval, the Hollywood star started taking acting lessons to hone her craft. However, it wasn’t long before she realized that dedicating endless time to acting classes could lead to stagnation.

The famous actress circa 1971. | Source: Getty Images

She decided to start working and earning a living, setting her apart from many hopefuls who often spent years waiting for their big break. Her determination paid off as she began landing roles on television, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable actresses of her time.

The actress filming “McMillan & Wife” in 1972. | Source: Getty Images

During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s, she became widely known for her roles in some of the most popular TV shows of the era. Her most famous roles were in the detective series “McMillan & Wife,” where she played the witty and lovable Sally McMillan.

She also starred in the sitcom “Kate & Allie,” in which she charmed viewers with her portrayal of a single mother navigating life with her best friend.

The Hollywood star filming “Kate & Allie” in 1985. | Source: Getty Images

Despite the star’s success in Hollywood, she made a life-changing decision to step back from acting to focus on her family. After “Kate & Allie” ended, she embraced motherhood fully, devoting herself to raising her five children.

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Reflecting on those years, she fondly recalled the joy she found in parenting, noting that each stage of her children’s development — from diapers to teaching them how to ride a bike — was more fulfilling than anything her career could offer.

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“Every time I thought about going back to work, I thought, ‘It can’t be as much fun as this,’” she admitted. The actress’s personal life also includes a long and successful marriage to television executive Dick Ebersol, whom she married in 1981.

The famous actress and Dick Ebersol photographed in New York, circa 1970. | Source: Getty Images

The two built a strong partnership that withstood the demands of the entertainment industry. While her husband was often busy with his career — most notably his work with the Olympic Games — their relationship thrived through mutual understanding and dedication. As of 2024, the couple has celebrated 42 years of marriage.

The Hollywood star and Dick Ebersol during Senator Joe Kennedy’s fundraiser on December 1, 1988, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

However, despite the actress’s successful career and family life, tragedy struck in November 2004, when one of her sons, 14-year-old Edward “Teddy” Ebersol, was killed in a plane crash. The charter he had boarded crashed at an airport in southwestern Colorado.

After an extensive search, his body was discovered pinned beneath the wreckage of the aircraft. “I’m not going to discuss the condition of the body out of respect for the family,” Montrose County Coroner Mark Young said during a news conference.

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Following this devastating loss, the famous actress chose to honor her son’s memory in a personal and meaningful way. “My son Teddy, who passed away, had so many sayings. I have some of them as tattoos on my arm. He had one that was, ‘Life is a blur, love is the focus.’ That was Teddy. I love that,” she revealed.

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Despite the heartbreak, the Hollywood star remained resilient, finding solace in her other children, who brought joy and comfort during such a difficult time. As of 2021, she had become a grandmother to seven grandchildren.

In the years following her son’s death, the actress retired from acting, deciding to focus on her family and lead a much simpler life. Now living a quiet life with her husband, she splits her time between their large home in Connecticut and a more relaxing retreat in Hawaii.

The famous actress shooting “The Girls in the Office” in 1979. | Source: Getty Images

The retired star described how her life in Hawaii is filled with long walks and easygoing days, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of her earlier years.

The former “McMillan & Wife” star reflected, “Our menu is simple, our life is simple, and it’s really relaxing and nice. We’re just going through life together. I get to enjoy my seven grandkids, so I’m really busy, but I love it.”

A portrait of the Hollywood star filming “Love at First Bite” in 1979. | Source: Getty Images

This actress is none other than Susan Saint James, 78. Though she stepped away from Hollywood years ago, her legacy and timeless beauty still captivate fans. See her transformation over the decades and how this legendary star has evolved from the 1970s to today.

Susan Saint James at the premiere of “The China Syndrome” on March 6, 1979, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

’70s

Susan Saint James and Rock Hudson during a promotional photoshoot for “McMillan & Wife” in 1974. | Source: Getty Images

Susan Saint James on the set of “SOS Titanic” in 1979. | Source: Getty Images

’80s

Susan Saint James during a promotional photoshoot for “Saturday Night Live” in 1983. | Source: Getty Images

Susan Saint James at the Third Annual Night of 100 Trees Gala to Benefit the New York Special Olympics on December 18, 1984, in New York. | Source: Getty Images

2000s

Susan Saint James during the “Mean Girls” New York premiere on April 23, 2004. | Source: Getty Images

Susan Saint James photographed on May 31, 2006. | Source: Getty Images

2010s

Susan Saint James at Charlie Ebersol’s “Charlieland” birthday party and charity event on December 8, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Susan Saint James at the “Suffragette” New York premiere on October 12, 2015. | Source: Getty Images

2020s

Although Saint James retired from acting, the former “McMillan & Wife” star hasn’t completely been out of the public eye. In 2022, social media users commented on how stunning the former Hollywood star still looks, with many praising her for aging gracefully and maintaining her signature elegance.

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“Still stunning after all these years ,” one person commented. “You look great! The hair cut [sic] looks beautiful,” another person shared. A third social media user added, “You look amazing!! Miss this face.”

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Susan Saint James may have left the spotlight behind, but her impact on television and her enduring grace continue to resonate with fans. From her rise to stardom to her strength, she remains an inspiring figure in the face of personal tragedy. As she enjoys a quieter life, her legacy as a Hollywood icon lives on.