Actress Susan Saint James: A Hollywood Legacy

Who is Susan Saint James?

Susan Saint James is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Kate & Allie.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Saint James began her acting career in the early 1970s. She made her film debut in the 1971 film The Last Run, and went on to appear in a number of other films, including Love at First Bite (1979), Going Berserk (1983), and The Longshot (1986).

Saint James is perhaps best known for her role as Kate McArdle in the television series Kate & Allie, which ran from 1984 to 1989. In this role, she played a divorced mother who shared an apartment with her best friend, Allie Lowell, played by Jane Curtin.

Saint James has also appeared in a number of other television shows, including The Love Boat, Murder, She Wrote, and Diagnosis Murder. In recent years, she has had recurring roles on the television series Hot in Cleveland and The Mindy Project.

Susan Saint James

Susan Saint James is an American actress best known for her roles in the television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Kate & Allie.

• Actress: Susan Saint James is an accomplished actress with a career spanning over five decades.
• Comedian: She has showcased her comedic skills in various roles, including her portrayal of Kate McArdle in Kate & Allie.
• Writer: Susan Saint James has also written several books, including her autobiography, Laughing in the Dark.
• Activist: She is an advocate for various social causes, particularly those related to mental health and addiction.
• Philanthropist: Susan Saint James supports several charitable organizations and has been recognized for her philanthropic efforts.

These key aspects highlight Susan Saint James's versatility and her significant contributions to the entertainment industry and beyond. Her acting skills, comedic timing, and commitment to social causes have made her a beloved figure in American pop culture.

Actress

Susan Saint James's career as an actress has been marked by her versatility, longevity, and critical acclaim. She has appeared in a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic, and has worked in both film and television.

• Early Career: Saint James began her acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. She gained recognition for her performance in the 1976 film The Last Tycoon, for which she received a Golden Globe nomination.
• Breakthrough Role: Saint James's breakthrough role came in the 1977 television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. In this satirical soap opera, she played the title role of a naive housewife who becomes a media sensation. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Saint James received two Emmy Award nominations for her performance.
• Continued Success: After Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Saint James continued to appear in a variety of film and television roles. She starred in the sitcom Kate & Allie from 1984 to 1989, and has also appeared in such films as Love at First Bite (1979), Going Berserk (1983), and The Longshot (1986).
• Recent Work: In recent years, Saint James has had recurring roles on the television series Hot in Cleveland and The Mindy Project. She has also appeared in several made-for-television movies.

Over the course of her career, Susan Saint James has established herself as one of the most respected and accomplished actresses in the entertainment industry. Her versatility, talent, and dedication to her craft have made her a fan favorite and a critical darling.

Comedian

Susan Saint James's comedic skills have been a defining aspect of her career, and her portrayal of Kate McArdle in the television series Kate & Allie is a prime example of her talent in this area.

Kate McArdle is a divorced mother who shares an apartment with her best friend, Allie Lowell. Saint James brings a warmth and vulnerability to the role, while also showcasing her impeccable comedic timing. Her performance is full of physical comedy, witty one-liners, and a genuine sense of heart.

Saint James's comedic skills are not limited to her role in Kate & Allie. She has also appeared in a number of other comedic films and television shows, including Love at First Bite, Going Berserk, and Hot in Cleveland. In each of these roles, she has demonstrated her ability to make audiences laugh with her sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing.

Saint James's comedic skills have been a major factor in her success as an actress. She has the ability to bring humor to even the most serious of roles, and her performances are always a joy to watch.

Writer

Susan Saint James's writing career is an extension of her commitment to storytelling and self-expression. Her autobiography, Laughing in the Dark, provides a candid and deeply personal account of her life and career, exploring her struggles with addiction and mental health issues.

Saint James's decision to write her autobiography was motivated by a desire to share her story and to help others who may be struggling with similar challenges. The book has been praised for its honesty and insight, and has received positive reviews from critics and readers alike.

In addition to her autobiography, Saint James has also written several other books, including children's books and novels. Her writing is characterized by its humor, warmth, and candor. She has a gift for storytelling, and her books are sure to entertain and inspire readers of all ages.

Susan Saint James's writing career is a testament to her versatility and her commitment to using her platform to make a difference in the world. Her books are a valuable resource for anyone who is struggling with addiction or mental health issues, and they offer a unique insight into the life and mind of one of America's most beloved actresses.

Activist

Susan Saint James's advocacy for various social causes, particularly those related to mental health and addiction, is an integral part of her identity and career. Her personal experiences with addiction and mental health issues have motivated her to use her platform to raise awareness and advocate for change.

Saint James has been open about her struggles with addiction and depression. In her autobiography, Laughing in the Dark, she writes candidly about her experiences and her journey to recovery. She has also spoken out publicly about the importance of mental health awareness and the need for accessible and affordable treatment.

Saint James's activism has made a real difference in the lives of many people. She has helped to reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental illness, and she has inspired others to seek help. She is a role model for anyone who is struggling with these issues, and her advocacy work has helped to create a more understanding and compassionate society.

The connection between Susan Saint James and her activism is a powerful example of how one person can make a difference. Her personal experiences have led her to become a passionate advocate for social change, and her work has had a positive impact on the lives of countless people.

Philanthropist

Susan Saint James's philanthropic efforts are a natural extension of her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of community. She has been a longtime supporter of organizations that provide services to the homeless, the hungry, and the addicted. She is also a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and research.

• Homelessness and Hunger: Saint James has been a supporter of organizations such as the Los Angeles Mission and the Midnight Mission, which provide food, shelter, and other services to the homeless. She has also worked with organizations such as Feeding America to address the issue of hunger in the United States.
• Addiction: Saint James has been open about her own struggles with addiction, and she has used her platform to raise awareness about the disease and to advocate for accessible and affordable treatment. She is a supporter of organizations such as the Betty Ford Center and the Hazelden Foundation.
• Mental Health: Saint James is a strong advocate for mental health awareness and research. She is a supporter of organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Jed Foundation.

Susan Saint James's philanthropic efforts are making a real difference in the lives of many people. Her work is helping to reduce the stigma associated with homelessness, addiction, and mental illness, and she is inspiring others to get involved in their communities.

FAQs about Susan Saint James

This section addresses frequently asked questions about Susan Saint James, providing concise and informative answers to common inquiries.

Question 1: What is Susan Saint James best known for?

Susan Saint James is best known for her roles in the television series Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and Kate & Allie. She is also known for her comedic skills and her advocacy for various social causes.

Question 2: What is Susan Saint James's acting style?

Susan Saint James's acting style is characterized by its warmth, vulnerability, and comedic timing. She is known for her ability to bring humor to even the most serious of roles.

Question 3: What are some of Susan Saint James's most notable achievements?

Susan Saint James has received two Emmy Award nominations for her performance in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman. She has also been recognized for her philanthropic efforts, receiving the Humanitarian Award from the National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI).

Question 4: What is Susan Saint James's involvement in social activism?

Susan Saint James is an advocate for various social causes, particularly those related to mental health and addiction. She has used her platform to raise awareness about these issues and to advocate for change.

Question 5: What are some of Susan Saint James's hobbies and interests?

Susan Saint James enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She is also an avid reader and enjoys going to the movies.

Question 6: What is Susan Saint James's legacy?

Susan Saint James's legacy is one of an accomplished actress, comedian, writer, activist, and philanthropist. She has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and to society as a whole.

These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of Susan Saint James's life and career. They highlight her versatility, her commitment to social justice, and her enduring legacy as one of America's most beloved actresses.

Continue to the next section for more in-depth information about Susan Saint James.

Conclusion

Susan Saint James is an accomplished actress, comedian, writer, activist, and philanthropist. She has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and to society as a whole.

Saint James's legacy is one of versatility, commitment, and impact. She has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues, and she has inspired others to get involved in their communities. She is a role model for anyone who wants to make a difference in the world.