Susan Saint James Children: Meet Her Five Kids, Sunshine, Harmony, Charlie, Willie and Teddy

Susan Saint James, the Emmy-winning actress best known for Kate & Allie and McMillan & Wife, has returned to headlines following confirmation that she died from metastatic pancreatic cancer. The television star passed away at age 80 on October 26, 2026, and her death certificate revealed that the illness had developed over several months. As fans remember her remarkable career, attention has also turned to Susan Saint James’ children and the family she devoted much of her life to raising.

Saint James was the mother of five children from two marriages. She welcomed Sunshine and Harmony Lucas with her second husband, makeup artist Tom Lucas, and later had three sons, Charlie, Willie and Teddy Ebersol, with television executive Dick Ebersol. Four of her children survive her, while her youngest son, Teddy, died in a tragic plane crash in 2004.

How Many Children Did Susan Saint James Have?

Susan Saint James had five children, including one daughter and four sons. Her first two children were born during her marriage to Thomas “Tom” Lucas, whom she married in 1971.

After their divorce, she married Dick Ebersol in 1981. The couple met when Saint James hosted Saturday Night Live, where Ebersol was serving as executive producer. They married approximately six weeks after meeting and went on to raise three sons together.

Despite her demanding television career, Saint James frequently emphasized the importance of motherhood. After Kate & Allie ended in 1989, she largely stepped away from regular acting to spend more time with her family.

Sunshine Lucas and Harmony Lucas

Sunshine Lucas, born in 1972, is Susan Saint James’ eldest child and only daughter. She has generally maintained a private life away from Hollywood, with limited public information available about her career and personal relationships.

Her younger brother, Harmony Lucas, was born in 1974. Unlike Sunshine, Harmony pursued professional opportunities connected to the entertainment industry, particularly music supervision and content licensing.

Both children were born during Saint James’ marriage to Tom Lucas. Their upbringing coincided with her growing television success, including her popular role opposite Rock Hudson in McMillan & Wife.

Charlie Ebersol and Willie Ebersol

Charlie Ebersol, born in 1982, is a television producer, director and entrepreneur. He followed his parents into the entertainment business, developing projects for television and digital media.

Charlie also survived the devastating private plane crash that claimed his younger brother Teddy’s life. His father, Dick Ebersol, was aboard the aircraft and survived as well.

Willie Ebersol also pursued a career in television production and directing. He has worked on documentary and entertainment projects, earning recognition for his contributions to the industry.

Both brothers grew up in a household closely connected to American television, with their mother established as a successful actress and their father holding influential broadcasting positions.

Teddy Ebersol and the Family’s Tragic Loss

Edward “Teddy” Ebersol was Susan Saint James’ youngest child. Born in 1990, he was just 14 years old when he died in a private plane crash on November 28, 2004.

The accident occurred during takeoff from Montrose Regional Airport in Colorado. Dick Ebersol and Charlie survived, but Teddy, the pilot and a flight attendant lost their lives.

The tragedy profoundly affected the family. Saint James later spoke about coping with grief and the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult experiences.

In the weeks following Teddy’s passing, she delivered a deeply personal eulogy focused on helping her surviving children and husband find strength. Her family later remembered that moment as an example of her compassion and commitment to others, even during immense personal sorrow.

Susan Saint James’ Family Legacy and Life Beyond Acting

Susan Saint James built a successful television career that included an Emmy Award for The Name of the Game and memorable performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie.

However, her family remained central to her life. She also devoted decades to charitable work, particularly her involvement with Special Olympics.

Following her passing, her family remembered her generosity and the kindness she encouraged her children to show others.

Saint James is survived by her husband, Dick Ebersol, four children and seven grandchildren. Although her five children followed different paths, their family history remains an important part of the actress’s personal legacy beyond Hollywood.