McMillan & Wife (1971–1977) After 55 Years, Where Are They Today?

Revisiting the Cast of McMillan and Wife: Triumphs, Tragedies, and Transformations.

It’s been over half a century since McMillan and Wife first graced American television screens, captivating audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and chemistry.

As we look back on the beloved cast, we discover stories of quiet retirements, shocking deaths, and personal struggles that shaped their lives far beyond the world of San Francisco crime-solving.

Nancy Walker as Mildred

Born May 10, 1922, Nancy Walker brought unforgettable wit to the role of Mildred, the sharp-tongued housekeeper who kept McMillan on his toes.

Her humor and timing made her a fan favorite, but her private life was marked by both love and challenge.

After a brief marriage to radio personality Gar Moore, Walker found more lasting happiness with musical theater instructor David Craig, welcoming a daughter, Miranda.

However, her demanding career often kept her away from home, straining family bonds.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Walker remained active in television, directing shows like *Alice* and appearing in comedies such as *Murder by Death*.

But decades of heavy smoking took a toll, leading to lung cancer in the early 1990s. She died on March 25, 1992, aged 69, leaving behind a legacy of nearly five decades in entertainment and an estimated net worth of $5 million.

Rock Hudson as Stuart McMillan

Rock Hudson, born November 17, 1925, in Illinois, became the face of McMillan and Wife as the calm, sophisticated police commissioner.

His charm carried the series for six seasons, but behind the scenes, his life was shaped by fear and secrecy.

In 1955, Hudson married Phyllis Gates, the secretary of his agent, in a move widely believed to be orchestrated to quell rumors about his sexuality. The marriage was short-lived and fraught with tension, ending in divorce in 1958.

In 1984, Hudson was diagnosed with AIDS, a secret he tried to keep from the public. He continued working, even appearing on *Dynasty*, until his health rapidly declined.

Hudson died October 2, 1985, at age 59, his ashes scattered in the Pacific Ocean. He left behind an estate estimated at $10 million, and his death marked a turning point in public awareness of AIDS.

John Schuck as Sergeant Charles Enright

John Schuck, born February 4, 1940, played Sergeant Charles Enright, the loyal and witty detective. His personal life was turbulent, with a marriage to actress Susan Bay that ended in divorce after the birth of their son, Aaron.

Schuck continued working in television, appearing in *Roots*, *Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home*, and *Babylon 5*.

In 1990, he married painter Harrison Houle, finding the stability he had long sought. Now 86, Schuck lives quietly, occasionally participating in theater and fan conventions, with an estimated net worth of $1 million.

Susan St. James as Sally McMillan

Susan St. James, born August 14, 1946, was the witty, fearless wife of Stuart McMillan. Her chemistry with Hudson gave the series its charm and earned her four Emmy nominations.

Her personal life, however, was marked by heartbreak. After a brief first marriage, she wed makeup artist Lucas, having two children before divorcing in 1977.

Later, she married producer Dick Ebersol, and together they had three sons. Tragedy struck in 2004 when a plane crash killed their 14-year-old son, Teddy.

The loss changed St. James profoundly, leading her to focus on family and charity work. Now 80, she supports causes like the Special Olympics, living quietly with an estimated net worth of $60 million.

Richard Gilliland as Sergeant Steve DiMaggio

Richard Gilliland, born January 23, 1950, played Sergeant Steve DiMaggio, bringing fresh energy to later seasons.

His personal life became entwined with actress Jean Smart, whom he met while filming *Designing Women*. The couple married in 1987, raising two sons.

Gilliland battled heart disease, keeping his struggles private while continuing to work in television and stage.

He died suddenly in 2021 at age 71, leaving behind a career spanning four decades and a net worth of $4 million.

Martha Raye as Agatha

Martha Raye, born August 27, 1916, played Agatha, the loud and eccentric guest character. Her personal life was chaotic, with seven marriages and struggles with alcohol and emotional turmoil.

Raye survived a suicide attempt in 1956, but later faced Alzheimer’s, heart problems, and strokes.

Doctors amputated both legs in her final years. She died October 19, 1994, aged 78, surrounded by family disputes over her estate, which was estimated at $5 million.

Martin E. Brooks as Deputy DA Chapman

Martin E. Brooks, born November 30, 1925, played Deputy District Attorney Chapman. Brooks grew up in a struggling New York household, finding escape in theater.

His stage work earned him a Tony nomination, and he later became a dependable character actor in television.

Brooks married producer Edy Landau, forming a supportive partnership. He died December 7, 2015, at age 90, with an estate valued at $2 million.

Gloria Stroock as Maggie

Gloria Stroock, born July 10, 1924, played Maggie, the efficient secretary. Her life revolved around family and theater, marrying television writer Leonard B. Stern in 1956.

Their marriage lasted 55 years, raising two children. Stroock died May 5, 2024, at age 99, with a net worth of $1 million.

Bill Quinn as Police Chief Paulson

Bill Quinn, born May 6, 1912, played Police Chief Paulson. Quinn started in vaudeville, then radio, then television, appearing in over 150 screen roles.

He married Mary Katherine Rhoden in 1939, a union that lasted over 50 years. Quinn died April 29, 1994, aged 81, leaving behind a $1 million estate.

Andrew Duggan as Harlan Royce

Andrew Duggan, born December 28, 1923, played Harlan Royce, the powerful businessman.

Duggan served in the Army during WWII, then built a career in television and film, marrying Broadway dancer Elizabeth Log in 1953. He battled throat cancer in the 1980s, dying May 15, 1988, aged 64, with a net worth of $2 million.

Carole Cook as Carole Krenshaw

Carole Cook, born January 14, 1924, played Carole Krenshaw, a lively socialite. Her career began in poverty, but she reached Broadway and caught Lucille Ball’s attention, leading to TV and film success.

Cook married Tom Troupe in 1964, their marriage lasting nearly six decades. She died January 11, 2023, aged 98, with a net worth of $5 million.

Barbara Rhodes as Waitress

Barbara Rhodes, born March 23, 1947, played a waitress, her comedic energy shining even in a small role.

She married producer Bernie Orenstein in 1979, raising a son. Rhodes avoided scandal, focused on steady work, and now lives quietly in Connecticut, aged 79, with a net worth of $1 million.

Paul Sorenson as Officer Ryan

Paul Sorenson, born February 16, 1926, played Officer Ryan. Sorenson’s acting career was shaped by war and determination, appearing in hundreds of roles.

He married Jacqueline May in 1957, raising two sons and running acting workshops. Sorenson died July 17, 2008, aged 82, after more than 50 years of marriage, with a net worth of $1 million.

After more than 55 years, the faces we once watched every week on McMillan and Wife have changed in ways few fans ever imagined. Their stories are filled with triumph, tragedy, and transformation—reminding us that behind every classic TV show lies a cast of real people, each with their own journey. Which transformation surprised you the most? Which cast member’s story shocked you after all these years?

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