Susan Saint James was honored by her friend and “Kate & Allie” co-star Jane Curtin after her death from cancer at the age of 80.
“We lost a decent person today,” the actress wrote in a statement to Page Six on Tuesday.
“Susan St. James was an honest person who made Kate and Allie a joy,” she continued. “She juggled a busy life at the Ed Sullivan Theater between work on stage and being a mom on set.”
“She worked tirelessly for organizations she believed in, like the Special Olympics,” Curtin, 79, added.
“All while raising children and going through the horrors of losing a child,” the “Coneheads” star continued, referring to James’ youngest son, Teddy, who died in a private plane crash at age 14 in 2004.
“Susan was my friend, and working with her brought so much laughter, community and family to the stage of the Ed Sullivan Theater,” Curtin concluded. “I’m going to miss her.”
James and Curtin starred alongside each other in the 1980s TV series, playing two divorced mothers, Kate McArdle and Allie Lowell, respectively. In the series, women and their children move in together.
Before joining the show, James was admittedly hesitant, telling People in 1984, “It’s not a statement saying, ‘Girls, leave the guys and go live with your best friend.'”
“Kate and Allie didn’t plan this. It’s just the best solution they could think of, and their friendship sustains them,” she explained at the time.
James received two Emmy nominations for his role as McArdle before the series ended in 1989.
The former “Love at First Bite” actress’ rep confirmed her death to People via a statement Tuesday following her battle with pancreatic cancer.
The spokesperson highlighted the actress’ generosity “with her time and energy, which she valued more than money, and instinctively drawn to those who needed to be uplifted.”
“She taught her children to take a break, be kind and look out for others,” the statement said. “She never met a stranger. Every person she met became the most important person in the room at that moment, from a fellow board member to the shoe store clerk, who usually left knowing her entire life story.”
James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, whom she married in 1981, and their children, Charlie Ebersol and Willie Ebersol. The couple also shared Teddy.
Additionally, James is the mother of Sunshine Lucas and Harmony Lucas with her ex-husband, Tom Lucas.
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