Susan Saint James opens up about her unforgettable experiences working alongside the iconic Rock Hudson on the hit TV series McMillan & Wife. In a candid conversation with Closer, she shares how kissing her on-screen partner never felt like a chore. “We were always kissing, and it was genuinely fun,” she reveals, describing Rock as “engaging, wonderful, friendly, and undeniably sexy.”
Rock Hudson, a Hollywood legend for decades, made countless friends during his illustrious career. However, Susan, who played his wife, Sally, for five seasons on the police procedural drama, shared a unique bond with the star. “We had so much fun together,” she reminisces. “From the day I met him, I can’t recall a single moment when he wasn’t pleasant to be around.”
Rock’s illustrious movie career spanned westerns, war films, and dramatic roles, but he truly shone in romantic comedies. McMillan & Wife, which joined the rotating NBC Mystery Movie series in 1971, combined crime-solving with humor and romance, showcasing Rock’s best qualities. Playing the witty and charming couple Mac and Sally McMillan, Rock and Susan solved mysteries between glamorous parties and high-profile events. “It was a glamorous, romantic comedy experience,” Susan, now 77, fondly recalls.
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Susan landed the role of Sally after a memorable lunch meeting with Rock, beating out other notable actresses like Diane Keaton and Jill Clayburgh. Years later, she asked Rock why he chose her. “He joked that he was getting so fat from having lunch with actresses that he decided to pick me!” she laughs, adding that Rock’s humor was always present, even in professional settings.
Rock Hudson’s Playful Side
Rock Hudson had a contagious sense of humor that brightened every day on set. “He loved outtakes and pulling pranks,” Susan fondly remembers. She recounts one particular prank where Rock pretended to physically fight with her during a scene, surprising the entire crew. “I still have those outtakes somewhere; he found it absolutely hilarious.”
Rock was a gregarious and uplifting presence who believed in creating a positive atmosphere on set. “He always emphasized that there’s nothing more important than making the set a pleasant place to work. It should never feel miserable,” Susan explains. She recalls how much she learned from observing Rock’s interactions with others. “He greeted everyone with warmth, from the camera operators to the craft services team. He had funny nicknames for everyone, like ‘Shorty.’”
When guest stars graced the set of McMillan & Wife, Rock went out of his way to show appreciation. “He would send flowers to their trailers and personally visit them in the morning to welcome them,” Susan notes, appreciating his old-school Hollywood charm and kindness. “Stars of hit TV shows rarely show such grace, but Rock was different. He carried an aura of courtesy and warmth.”
Rock’s discipline was evident in his meticulous preparation for every scene. “He never showed up unprepared—not once,” Susan emphasizes. “He made me feel valued and confident, but I was always determined not to mess up. I didn’t want to miss a line or ruin a take.”
Susan, being 21 years younger than Rock, helped him adapt to the evolving times. For instance, Rock was initially apprehensive about filming on location in San Francisco. “He came to me and said, ‘You won’t believe this—they’re going to mount a camera on the side of the car, and I’ll actually have to drive!’” Susan tried to reassure him, but she understood that shooting scenes outdoors wasn’t his ideal situation.
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