Susan Saint James Parents: Meet Charles Daniel Miller and Constance Geiger Miller

Emmy-winning actress Susan Saint James, best known for her performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie, has passed away at the age of 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her passing has renewed interest in her remarkable television career and the family that shaped her early life. Born Susan Jane Miller, the actress was the daughter of Charles Daniel Miller and Constance Geiger Miller, whose professional backgrounds and family values influenced her upbringing in Illinois.

Saint James built a successful entertainment career spanning several decades, but her childhood was far removed from Hollywood. Her parents emphasized education, creativity and family connections, providing the foundation for her early interest in performing.

Who Were Susan Saint James’ Parents?

Susan Saint James’ parents were Charles Daniel Miller and Constance Geiger Miller.

Her father was a businessman who became president of the Testor Corporation, while her mother worked as a schoolteacher.

The couple married in 1941 and initially lived in Los Angeles, California.

They later relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where Susan spent much of her childhood.

Their family included four children, and Susan grew up alongside her siblings in a household that valued education and personal achievement.

Who Was Susan Saint James’ Father Charles Daniel Miller?

Charles Daniel Miller was an American businessman associated with the manufacturing industry.

He initially worked as a toolmaker at Mitchell Camera in Los Angeles.

During World War II, his technical skills became valuable to the United States Department of Defense.

In 1955, the family relocated to Rockford, Illinois, where Charles became president of the Testor Corporation.

He also served as president of the Hobby Industry Association of America.

His professional responsibilities shaped the family’s early years and contributed to their move from California to the Midwest.

Charles passed away in 1993.

Who Was Susan Saint James’ Mother Constance Geiger Miller?

Constance Geiger Miller was born on August 3, 1915, in Cromwell, Connecticut.

She was the daughter of Charles Robeson Geiger and Jane Irene Lamb.

Constance attended Middletown High School before studying at Connecticut State Teacher’s College.

She also participated in theatrical productions at Wesleyan University, demonstrating an interest in performing arts long before her daughter became an actress.

Constance worked as a teacher at the Eunice Knight Saunders School before focusing on raising her children.

She later became known for her love of literature, poetry, jazz and international travel.

Constance passed away on February 20, 2011, at age 95 in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Susan Saint James’ Childhood and Education

Susan Saint James was born on August 14, 1946, in Los Angeles, California.

Her birth name was Susan Jane Miller.

She grew up primarily in Rockford, Illinois, after her father’s career brought the family to the area.

During her teenage years, she developed an interest in modeling and worked in the United States and France.

She attended Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart before studying at Connecticut College.

At approximately 20 years old, she adopted the professional surname Saint James while pursuing acting opportunities.

Did Susan Saint James Have Siblings?

Susan Saint James grew up in a family of four children.

Her siblings included Charles G. Miller, David Jonathan Miller and Mary Mercedes Dewey.

Her sister Mercedes later became involved in writing and business activities.

In 1998, Susan and Mercedes helped establish Seedling and Pip, a business specializing in gift baskets for newborn babies.

The sisters maintained a close connection through their shared interests and family activities.

Their brother David passed away in October 2010.

How Did Her Parents Influence Her Career?

Susan’s mother had experience in education and theater, while her father established a successful business career.

These different influences exposed her to both creative expression and professional discipline.

Saint James began modeling before securing a contract with Universal Studios.

She gained recognition through The Name of the Game, winning a Primetime Emmy Award in 1969.

Her subsequent performances in McMillan & Wife and Kate & Allie established her as one of television’s familiar leading actresses.

Her parents’ emphasis on education and independence formed an important part of the background from which her entertainment career developed.

Susan Saint James’ Husband, Children and Family Life

Susan Saint James married television executive Dick Ebersol in November 1981.

They had three sons together: Charles, William and Edward, known as Teddy.

She also had two children, Sunshine and Harmony, from her previous marriage to Tom Lucas.

The family experienced a devastating tragedy in November 2004 when Teddy was killed in a plane crash at age 14.

Saint James later devoted considerable time to family activities and charitable work, particularly supporting the Special Olympics.

Susan Saint James Parents and Family Legacy

Susan Saint James’ parents, Charles Daniel Miller and Constance Geiger Miller, came from different professional backgrounds but shared a commitment to family life.

Charles built a successful career in manufacturing, while Constance combined her experience in education with a lifelong appreciation for the arts.

Their daughter went on to become an Emmy-winning actress whose television performances entertained audiences for generations.

Following her passing on October 26, 2026, her family history remains an important part of understanding the woman behind her celebrated television career.