Jennifer Runyon, known for her roles in the 1984 film 'Ghostbusters' and the sitcom 'Charles in Charge,' died on March 6, 2026, at age 65 following a battle with cancer. Her family announced the news via Facebook, and friend Erin Murphy confirmed it on social media.
Jennifer Runyon passed away on March 6, 2026, surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. Her family shared the news in a Facebook post: "This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family." Close friend Erin Murphy, known for 'Bewitched,' posted a tribute: “So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. 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.” Her daughter Bayley added: “all of the best parts of me came from you. i would give anything for one more day together.” Murphy noted, “She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends... Rest in peace, our Jenn.”
Born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to radio announcer Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts, Runyon debuted in the 1980 slasher film “To All a Good Night.” She gained prominence in 1984 with roles in comedies “Up the Creek” opposite Tim Matheson and “Ghostbusters,” portraying a female student in a psychokinesis experiment. That year, she played Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of CBS sitcom “Charles in Charge,” as the love interest of Scott Baio’s character.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Runyon appeared in numerous projects, including the 1988 TV movie “A Very Brady Christmas” as Cindy Brady, the comedy “18 Again!,” “The In Crowd,” the “Quantum Leap” pilot, and guest spots on “Magnum, P.I.,” “Murder, She Wrote,” “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “The Fall Guy,” “Boone,” “The Master,” and a recurring role in “Another World.” In 1991, she married Todd Corman, a basketball coach, assistant director, and nephew of filmmaker Roger Corman. They had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. Runyon semi-retired from acting by 2014 to teach.
