When Susan Saint James first moved to Los Angeles as a young woman, she found herself living at the iconic Hollywood Studio Club. "It was founded by none other than Mary Pickford herself," Susan exclusively shares with Closer, reflecting on the legendary silent movie star. "My mom was thrilled because Grace Kelly had lived there too. I started taking acting lessons, but I quickly realized you could easily get stuck in acting class. Plus, I needed to make a living." It's a testament to her determination and resourcefulness that Susan didn't just wait around for opportunities to come her way—she went out and created them.
It wasn't long before Susan became a familiar face on television, breaking out as the research assistant Peggy Maxwell on The Name of the Game. This role earned her an Emmy and propelled her into the spotlight. She then starred in McMillan & Wife, cementing her status as a television star. A decade later, she took on another iconic role in Kate & Allie. At 77, Susan fondly recalls her time on the show: "I'm still in touch with Jane Curtin and all the kids. It was such a blast working with them." Her warmth and connection with her co-stars are evident even decades later.
Early Life and Influences
What was your childhood like?
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Susan's early years were anything but ordinary. "I was born in L.A. and lived there until I was 12," she recounts. "Then we moved to Illinois. After high school, I headed to New York and never looked back." Her journey from the Midwest to the bustling city of New York set the stage for her future adventures in the entertainment industry.
You started modeling as a teenager. Tell us about that experience.
At just 16, Susan was already making waves in the modeling world. "I was on my way to college, but I decided to take a different path. I wanted to make a living, so I moved to the Barbizon Hotel in New York and began modeling. After a few months, I gathered a portfolio and decided to move to France. I speak French fluently, and I stayed there for a while. Then, when Kennedy was tragically shot in November, I was heartbroken. It felt like the end of an era." Her reflections on this pivotal moment in history reveal not just her personal growth but also her deep connection to the world around her.
Lessons Learned and Role Models
By 1966, you had moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Is there anything you wish you could have told your younger self?
"You have to go into this industry with the mindset that nothing will deter you," Susan advises. "Talent, being interesting, and being yourself can take you a long way. For me, things happened quickly, but you have to be the last person standing. The industry is tough, but if you're persistent, you can succeed." Her words echo the importance of resilience and staying true to oneself in the face of challenges.
Did you have any role models when you were starting out?
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"Paula Prentiss was my ultimate inspiration," Susan reveals. "I later worked with Dick Benjamin, who was married to her, and I told him, 'I'm only here because of your wife.' She was funny, beautiful, and everything I wanted to be." Her admiration for Paula Prentiss highlights the impact mentors can have on an aspiring actor's career.
Meeting Idols and Working with Legends
Did you get the chance to meet your idols?
"Oh, absolutely!" Susan exclaims. "I worked with Robert Wagner on several shows. I adored him and even got introduced to Paul Newman through him. It was one of the greatest moments of my life." Her enthusiasm for these legendary actors is palpable, showcasing the excitement of meeting the stars she admired from a young age.
You also played Rock Hudson's spouse on McMillan & Wife. Were you a fan?
"Of course! I remember standing in line to see Pillow Talk and Please Don't Eat the Daisies. Rock Hudson was every girl's dream. Once, I followed him to the market with a friend, just curious to see what he would buy! Imagine my surprise when I ended up playing his wife on TV. It was surreal, but I learned so much from him." Susan shares her admiration for Rock Hudson and the impact working with him had on her career.
Lessons from Rock Hudson and Career Choices
What did you learn from working with Rock Hudson?
"Rock taught me the importance of humor and preparation on set," Susan reflects. "He made everyone feel at ease, creating a pleasant atmosphere. He was always meticulously prepared, and that professionalism rubbed off on me. Working with him was a masterclass in acting and professionalism." Her insights reveal the lasting influence Rock Hudson had on her approach to her craft.
How did your role on McMillan & Wife change the trajectory of your career?
"After McMillan & Wife, I ventured into movies, including Love at First Bite with George Hamilton, which was a big hit," Susan recalls. "But as I started having more kids, I realized I wanted to return to television. It provided a steady income that allowed me to take care of my family. That decision worked out perfectly for me." Her decision to prioritize family while continuing her career speaks to her balance and dedication.
