Susan Saint James is an actress best known for her roles in Kate & Allie, McMillan and Wife, and The Name of the Game, for which she received an Emmy Award. She has been a supporter of the Special Olympics since 1972 and serves on the board for the Telluride Foundation, where she is executive director and chair of the grants committee. She has been inducted into the Connecticut Women’s Hall of Fame, and has received five honorary doctorate degrees from Connecticut universities and colleges… Glam had the opportunity to speak with Susan at the Women’s Conference. She was honest, inspiring, and poignant.

How did you get involved with the Women’s Conference?
Maria [Shriver] is an old friend. I met her when she was like 14 when we were volunteering at the Special Olympics in California. And I saw her everywhere I went. All the Shriver kids would show up at the Special Olympics. We’ve known each other a long time. And she’s a wonderful woman. And she asked me last year – because the Shrivers just jumped in after I lost my son, “Let’s do things together. Let’s be together.” And she asked me to do this last year. And I wasn’t ready. And I’m not really ready this year [either.] But I’m willing to share what it’s like to go through something like that.

What will your legacy be or what do you hope it will be?
Well, I would like my legacy, in the long run, to be that I have been a good wife and mother. I mean my media and my awards and my star in Hollywood – those are so fun. But they’re such a small part of what I’ve done. I mean I haven’t worked in 17 years. So my children and how they grow up [is most important.] What they have become as a result [of me.] That means a lot to me.

Who inspires you the most?
I don’t know. Along the way, it’s my mom. You know I think women I’ve worked with. You know, Mrs. Shriver is a huge, huge mentor in my life because of how she developed something form nothing, and at the same time raised pretty fabulous kids. I met Elizabeth Edwards the other day and her courage, not only through losing a child and battling cancer. Just going on. You know, going on and carrying these things with you. Loretta Claiborne, she is amazing. I saw her in China last week at the World Games at the Special Olympics.

In the face of adversity, how do you empower yourself?
Lately I’ve been kind of wobbly about that… I used to say I would wake up in the morning and say “ok, what am I going to be doing today? I can’t wait to do it!” And saying “yes” to everything. “Will you speak here?” “Yes.” “Will you come here?” “Yes.” “Will you run this?” “Yes.” And just say “oh, it scares, [but] me I’m gonna do it!” Lately I’m a little more timid. I’m looking to find myself again, but I’m not gonna find that [same] girl. I’m gonna find somebody different. And I’m worried. And I think the best thing I can say is that I’m willing. I’ve got my ears and eyes open for a new way to see what I should be doing.

Technorati Tags: Glam Media, Glam.com, GlamScene, Celebrities, Celebrity, The Women’s Conference, Susan Saint James, Maria Shriver

Love This Story? Buzz It Up Here!

Stumble It! Save to del.icio.us Digg Email Facebook