Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death: Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge Actress Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle
Jennifer Runyon, the beloved 1980s actress best known for her iconic role in Ghostbusters and her lead turn on Charles in Charge, died Friday night, March 6, 2026, at the age of 65. Her family confirmed the news Sunday, revealing she passed after a lengthy health battle surrounded by her loved ones. A close friend has since confirmed the cause was cancer.
Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death: Cancer
Shortly after news of Runyon's death began circulating, Erin Murphy — who starred as young Tabitha Stephens in Bewitched — confirmed that her dear friend had lost her battle with cancer. "So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer," Murphy shared via social media on Sunday, March 8. "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."
Runyon's mother-in-law Nan Corman provided the most specific account yet: "Friday night, we lost Jenn to cancer — she fought it for six months and left all of us devastated. Life goes on, but Jenn will never be forgotten for being the perfect wife and daughter-in-law."
Family's Statement — A Long and Arduous Journey
Runyon's family shared the news in a Facebook post, writing: "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."
Who Was Jennifer Runyon? Career and Legacy
Jennifer Runyon was born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of radio announcer Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts. She made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher film To All a Goodnight and went on to appear in Up the Creek and the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters. She had a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of the Scott Baio sitcom Charles in Charge.
In 1988, she portrayed Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas, played the lead in The In Crowd, and appeared in the pilot of Quantum Leap. She also starred in the comedy 18 Again! and made guest appearances on Murder, She Wrote and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Although she partially stepped back from acting in the 1990s, Runyon occasionally returned to the screen in later years, appearing in horror films including Silent Night, Bloody Night 2: Revival in 2015, Terror Tales in 2016, and Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson in 2025.
Jennifer Runyon's Life Away From Hollywood
On March 9, 1991, Runyon married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach with stints at Loyola Marymount, Albertson College, and Oregon State University. The couple had a son, Wyatt, and a daughter, Bayley. In a 2014 interview, Runyon stated she was semi-retired from acting and was instead working as a teacher and hosting a cooking podcast.
Runyon is survived by her husband Todd Corman and their two children Wyatt, 32, and Bayley, 30.
