You know that feeling when you're flipping through channels and land on an old movie you vaguely remember? Suddenly, a face pops up that immediately makes you feel like you're in good hands. For a lot of us, that face belongs to Susan St James. She’s not just an actress; she’s like that cool aunt who always had the best stories and the loveliest laugh. She popped up in our living rooms and on the big screen, bringing a warm, slightly chaotic energy that’s hard to forget.
Let’s be real—sometimes the best TV shows are the ones you can watch while folding laundry or making a sandwich. Susan St James mastered that vibe. Think of her role in McMillan & Wife. She played Sally, the young, spirited wife of a police commissioner. It was the perfect “cozy mystery” show, where you knew nothing too terrifying would happen, and you’d get a good chuckle from Susan’s quirky wardrobe and witty comebacks.
My mom still talks about that show. She’d say, “Oh, Sally got herself into a mess again, but she was so smart about it.” That’s the magic of Susan—she played smart, capable women who could roll their eyes at their husbands while saving the day. It felt attainable, like watching a neighbor who just happened to have a homicide to solve before dinner.
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The One That Stole Our Hearts: Kate & Allie
If you only know Susan St James from one thing, it’s probably Kate & Allie. This was the show that felt like a hug every week. It aired in the 80s and was all about two divorced friends who decided to live together and raise their kids under one roof. It tackled real stuff—money fights, teenage angst, dating again at 40—but with a lightness that never felt preachy.
Susan played Kate, the free-spirited, slightly disorganized one. She was the counterbalance to Allie (played by the wonderful Jane Curtin), who was more uptight. I think we all have a friend like this: the one who forgets to pay the electric bill but will drop everything to bring you soup when you’re sick. Susan made Kate irresistibly lovable, not perfect.
McMillan & Wife (1971)
There’s a scene I remember where she’s trying to bake a cake for a school event, and she ends up using salt instead of sugar. She just stands there, covered in flour, and shrugs. That moment felt so human. It reminded us that we’re all just fumbling through life, and it’s okay to laugh about the burnt edges.
Don’t Forget the Big Screen Appearances
Susan didn’t just rule the small screen. She also popped up in some pretty great movies. Ever seen the classic disaster film The Towering Inferno? It’s a giant, cheesy 70s blockbuster about a skyscraper on fire. Susan played a young woman celebrating her wedding, and she has this terrifyingly real moment of panic. It’s a tiny role, but she makes you feel the sheer terror of being trapped in a burning building.
101 Mcmillan And Wife Stock Photos, High-Res Pictures, and Images
Then there’s the slightly lighter Outlaw Blues, where she plays a road manager helping a country singer. It’s a quirky, unknown gem. Have you ever found a movie at a garage sale that turned out to be a hidden treasure? That’s this film. Susan brings her signature spark to a messy, fun story about second chances and bad decisions.
Why Should You Care About Her Work Today?
You might be thinking, “Okay, but this all happened decades ago. Why does it matter now?” Here’s the thing: Susan St James’s characters are comfort food for the brain. In a world that feels loud and stressful, sitting down with an episode of Kate & Allie is like putting on your favorite pair of soft sweatpants. It’s safe, it’s funny, and it reminds you that friendship gets you through anything.
Rock Hudson and Susan Saint James as McMillan & Wife. | Movie stars
Plus, let’s talk about the fashion. My goodness, the 70s and 80s clothing in her shows is a reason alone to watch. The big collars, the headbands, the patterned sweaters. It’s like a time capsule of the best kind of nostalgia. You’ll find yourself thinking, “Did my mom actually own that purple trench coat?” (Probably yes.)
Another reason to check her out? She was a pioneer without making a big fuss about it. She played single mothers, working women, and partners who were equals to their male co-stars. She did it all with a grin, making it look easy. It makes you appreciate how far we’ve come, and how delightful the journey was.
Susan Saint James And The Stars Of 'Kate - XHZA
Where to Start Your Susan St James Binge
If you only have an hour, watch the first episode of Kate & Allie. You’ll be hooked by the opening credits. If you want something with more action, check out McMillan & Wife.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, find Outlaw Blues on a streaming service or DVD. It’s the kind of movie you watch on a rainy Sunday afternoon with a cup of tea.
At the end of the day, Susan St James reminds us that being a little messy is fine. That being smart and funny is way more important than being perfect. So next time you see that familiar, smiling face on your screen, just smile back. She earned that. And you deserve to enjoy her work with absolutely zero guilt.