Jennifer Runyon Dies at 65, Family Announces Passing Friday Night

Jennifer Runyon Dies at 65, Family Announces Passing Friday Night

Monday at 9:14 a.m. ET — Jennifer Runyon, the actress, has died, her family announced Friday night in a Facebook post. The message said she was surrounded by family and alluded to a lengthy health battle; no cause of death was disclosed in the statement.

Family Statement on Facebook

Runyon’s family shared the news on Facebook and wrote, “This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family.” They added she will “always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” ending the tribute with, “Rest in peace our Jenn.” The post did not list a cause of death but alluded to a prolonged illness.

Jennifer Runyon’s ‘Ghostbusters’ Role and Television Career

She appeared in the 1984 blockbuster “Ghostbusters” in the memorable psychokinesis experiment scene and built a steady career throughout the 1980s and early 1990s. Runyon had a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce on the fan-favorite sitcom “Charles in Charge,” and also appeared on the soap opera “Another World,” as well as series including “Quantum Leap” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Those credits underscore a run of work that tied her to both big-screen moments and recurring television roles during that era.

Stepping Back from Hollywood and Her Standing With Fans

Though she stepped back from Hollywood in later years, Runyon remained a figure among fans of classic 1980s film and television. Her body of work, including that 1984 scene in “Ghostbusters” and her recurring television appearances, continued to define her public profile even after she reduced her acting activities.

The family’s Facebook post did not announce any public memorials or services, and no additional details on arrangements were provided.