When tracking down the personal history of iconic television stars, few inquiries spark as much curiosity as the long-term relationships of beloved icons like Susan St James. Best remembered for her stellar work on McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, her personal life often drew public fascination, particularly her enduring marriage to high-profile television executive Dick Ebersol. Contrary to transient Hollywood romances, their partnership spanned over four decades until her passing in October 2026.
Understanding the reality behind her marital history requires looking past internet rumors and focusing on verifiable timelines. From her early marriages to her decades-long union with Ebersol, her domestic life combined high-profile industry circles with a strong commitment to family.
The Marriage to Dick Ebersol
Susan St James married television producer and executive Dick Ebersol on November 21, 1981. The couple met earlier that year when St James served as a guest host on Saturday Night Live, a show Ebersol helped shape alongside Lorne Michaels. At the time, both held prominent positions in the entertainment industry—St James was a celebrated television star, and Ebersol was rising as an influential network producer.
Their marriage endured for nearly forty-five years, weathering both extraordinary professional milestones—such as Ebersol's tenure as the chairman of NBC Sports—and profound personal tragedy. In November 2004, the family experienced an unimaginable loss when a private charter plane crash in Colorado claimed the life of their fourteen-year-old son, Teddy, along with the pilot and a family friend. The tragedy prompted both Ebersol and St James to step back from intensive public spotlights to focus on healing and supporting their surviving children.
Despite the intense scrutiny that often follows prominent media figures, the couple maintained a relatively private domestic life, primarily residing in Connecticut. Ebersol remained her husband until her death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 80 in Los Angeles.
Prior Marriages and Family Background
Before her long-term union with Ebersol, St James was married twice.
- Richard Neubert: Her first marriage took place in 1967 to aspiring writer-director Richard Neubert. The union was brief and ended in divorce in 1968.
- Thomas Lucas: In 1971, she married makeup artist Thomas Lucas. Together, they welcomed two children, Sunshine and Harmony, before divorcing in 1977.
Following her marriage to Ebersol, the blended family expanded to include three sons: Charlie, Willie, and Teddy. St James balanced her demanding acting career with raising five children, gradually scaling back her on-screen appearances in the 1990s and 2000s to prioritize family and philanthropic work, including extensive involvement with the Special Olympics.
Sorting Fact from Rumor: The "Royalconnected" Confusion
Internet queries frequently mix up celebrity lineages with odd buzzwords or placeholder terms like "royalconnected." In digital publishing, automated content farms often generate speculative articles using recycled keywords, attaching unverified labels to search queries to capture traffic.
In reality, Susan St James had no actual connection to British or European royalty. Her background was thoroughly American; she was born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles to middle-class parents—her father worked for Mitchell Camera and later led the Testor Corporation, while her mother was a teacher. Her status as television royalty stems purely from her Emmy-winning performances and cultural footprint during the golden eras of 1970s and 1980s network television, rather than any aristocratic bloodline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Susan St James married when she passed away?
Yes. She was married to Dick Ebersol from 1981 until her death in October 2026. Their marriage lasted nearly forty-five years.
How many children did Susan St James have?
She had five children in total: two from her second marriage to Thomas Lucas (Sunshine and Harmony) and three sons with Dick Ebersol (Charlie, Willie, and Teddy).
What are Susan St James's most famous television roles?
She gained widespread acclaim for playing Sally McMillan opposite Rock Hudson in the mystery series McMillan & Wife, and later starred alongside Jane Curtin in the hit sitcom Kate & Allie. You can read more about her television archive on Wikipedia.
Did she retire from acting?
She gradually stepped away from full-time acting in the late 1990s and 2000s, focusing instead on family life in Connecticut, community projects, and advocacy work for organizations like the Special Olympics.
