Actress SUSAN SAINT JAMES was honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame today, and ET was on hand for the festivities!

The former "Kate and Allie" star opened up to us about what the momentous occasion meant to her, telling us: "When your name gets called, it's indelible, it's permanent. ... It's just a compliment of the highest order."

California first lady MARIA SHRIVER spoke at the ceremony, and complimented Saint James to ET for her decades of volunteer work to support people with intellectual disabilities and the Special Olympics.