Susan Saint James opens up about her unforgettable experiences working alongside Rock Hudson on the iconic TV series McMillan & Wife. She reminisces about the chemistry they shared on-screen, saying, "Kissing Rock Hudson was never a chore. It was genuinely enjoyable." In an exclusive interview with Closer, she fondly recalls her late co-star as "engaging, wonderful, friendly, and undeniably sexy."
Throughout his illustrious career in Hollywood, Rock Hudson was a beloved figure, but Susan, who portrayed his on-screen wife, Sally, for five seasons, shared a unique bond with the Hollywood legend. "We had an incredible time working together," she shares. "From the moment I met him, I don’t recall a single instance where he wasn’t a delight to be around."
Rock Hudson was a master of his craft, excelling in westerns, war films, and dramas, but it was in romantic comedies where he truly shone. When McMillan & Wife joined the NBC Mystery Movie lineup in 1971, it highlighted Rock's strengths by blending crime-solving with comedy and romance. Susan, now 77, remembers their characters, Mac and Sally McMillan, as a witty, bantering couple who solved mysteries while attending glamorous events. "It was sophisticated, stylish, and had that romantic comedy charm," she says.
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Susan landed the role of Sally after a casual lunch with Rock, beating out other future stars like Diane Keaton and Jill Clayburgh. Years later, she asked Rock why he chose her. "He joked that he'd gained so much weight from having lunch with actresses that he decided to go with me!" Susan laughs, emphasizing that Rock's humor was infectious.
Behind-the-Scenes Laughter with Rock Hudson
Rock Hudson had a knack for making everyone laugh on set. "He loved outtakes and played practical jokes," Susan recalls. Once, Rock decided to surprise the crew by pretending to have a physical altercation with Susan during a scene. "I still have those outtakes somewhere. He found that kind of mischief hilarious," she says.
Rock was known for creating a positive atmosphere on set. "He believed that nothing was more important than making the workplace enjoyable," Susan explains. "He would greet everyone from the camera operators to the craft services team with a cheerful 'Good morning!' and even gave people funny nicknames like 'Shorty.'" Susan learned a lot from watching Rock's example, noting his genuine kindness.
Whenever a guest star appeared on McMillan & Wife, Rock made sure they felt welcome. "He'd send flowers to their trailer and visit them first thing in the morning," Susan remembers. "That level of courtesy and kindness was rare, even among stars of hit TV series." Rock embodied the charm of Old Hollywood.
Rock was also incredibly disciplined, a trait honed over decades of filmmaking. "He always came prepared—never once did he show up unready," Susan says. "He made me feel confident and supported, even though I was always determined not to mess up my lines or my marks."
Susan, who was 21 years younger than Rock, helped him adapt to the evolving entertainment landscape. For instance, Rock wasn't thrilled about filming on location in San Francisco. "He came to me one day and said, 'You won't believe this—they're going to mount a camera on the side of the car, and I'm actually supposed to drive!'" Susan tried to be supportive, though she understood his reluctance. "Doing scenes out in the street wasn't really his thing."
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