Jennifer Runyon, the actress remembered for her roles in Ghostbusters and the television sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65.
The veteran performer, who appeared in several popular films and television shows during the 1980s, passed away on March 6 following a six-month battle with cancer. According to reports confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, Runyon died peacefully with her husband Todd Corman and her children by her side.
Her family later shared the heartbreaking news with fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
In a statement released to the press, Runyon’s daughter Bayley Corman expressed the family’s deep sorrow. Through her representative April Mills, she said the family was devastated by the loss.
“We are very heartbroken for the entire family,” the statement read. “She was an absolute gem and loved her children so much. She will be greatly missed.”
Soon after the announcement, tributes from friends, fans, and fellow actors began pouring in across social media.
Bayley Corman also posted a deeply emotional tribute on Instagram, remembering the powerful influence her mother had on her life.
“All of the best parts of me came from you,” she wrote. “I would give anything for one more day together.”
Jennifer Runyon’s brother David Runyon also honored his sister with a heartfelt message shared on Facebook. In his tribute, he described her as both a loving mother and a gifted performer who lived with passion and conviction.
“My beautiful sister Jennifer has joined the angels in Heaven,” he wrote. “Always dedicated to her convictions, Jenn was a wonderful mother and talented actress who especially loved the beauty in nature. Her soft voice and sweet smile will remain with me forever.”
Actress Erin Murphy, best known for her role in the classic series Bewitched, also paid tribute to Runyon and remembered her as a close friend.
“So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer,” Murphy wrote on Instagram. “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady. I’ll miss you Jenn. My thoughts are with your family and beautiful children.”
Jennifer Runyon built a recognizable career during the 1980s, appearing in both television and film. One of her most memorable roles was in the blockbuster supernatural comedy Ghostbusters, directed by Ivan Reitman, which became one of the defining movies of the decade.
She also gained popularity for portraying Gwendolyn Pierce in the sitcom Charles in Charge, a show that became a favorite among television audiences during its run.
Runyon appeared in several other projects throughout the decade as well. Her film and television credits included the comedy Up the Creek, the TV movie A Very Brady Christmas, and the drama The In Crowd.
Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Jennifer Runyon grew up in a family connected to broadcasting and entertainment. Her father, Jim Runyon, was a well-known radio disc jockey, which helped expose her to the world of media and performance at an early age.
Her journey into acting eventually led her to New York City, where she landed a role in the daytime soap opera Another World. The opportunity proved to be an important step in her early career.
In a 1984 interview with legendary talk-show host Merv Griffin, Runyon reflected on the early days of her acting career and the challenges she faced as a young actress.
She explained that moving into the entertainment industry was both exciting and intimidating.
“I have been lucky because of the California look,” Runyon said during the interview. “I was nervous when I first started working as an actress that I would be typecast.”
However, she soon discovered that her roles allowed her to explore a wide range of characters.
“But everything I have done has been so different, such a stretch for me,” she added at the time. “And it can only get better.”
Beyond her well-known 1980s work, Runyon continued to appear in various television projects over the years. Her credits included guest appearances in series such as Quantum Leap, Booker, and Murder, She Wrote.
She also appeared in films including Gunfight at Silver Creek and Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson, continuing to build a diverse body of work across different genres.
Jennifer Runyon is survived by her husband Todd Corman, her daughter Bayley Corman, her son Wyatt, and other family members who continue to honor her memory.
For fans who grew up watching her on television and in films, Runyon will be remembered not only for her performances but also for the warmth and kindness that colleagues say defined her life off-screen.
Her legacy, friends say, lives on through her work — and through the love she shared with her family and audiences around the world.