Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death: Ghostbusters Actress Dies at 65 After Six-Month Cancer Battle

Jennifer Runyon, the 1980s actress beloved for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge, died Friday night, March 6, 2026, at age 65. Her family confirmed the news Sunday, March 8, and a close friend quickly revealed the cause — cancer.

Cause of Death Confirmed: Cancer

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. "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 gave the most detailed account: "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 — Surrounded by Loved Ones

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."

Who Was Jennifer Runyon?

Jennifer Runyon was born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. She made her feature film debut in 1980 and went on to appear in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters, where she played the memorable ESP test subject opposite Bill Murray in the film's opening scene. She had a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of the Scott Baio sitcom Charles in Charge and portrayed Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas in 1988.

She also appeared in the pilot of Quantum Leap and made guest appearances on Murder, She Wrote and Beverly Hills, 90210 throughout her career.

Life Outside Hollywood

On March 9, 1991, Runyon married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach with stints at Loyola Marymount and Oregon State University. The couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. In later years, Runyon worked as a teacher and hosted a cooking podcast.

Runyon is survived by her husband Todd Corman and their two children Wyatt, 32, and Bayley, 30.