Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death: Ghostbusters Actress Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle
Jennifer Runyon, the actress beloved by generations of fans for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge, died on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 65 years old. Her cause of death has now been confirmed as cancer, revealed by a close friend just days after her passing.
Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death Confirmed as Cancer
Runyon's cause of death was confirmed by actress Erin Murphy, who starred as young Tabitha Stephens in Bewitched. Murphy confirmed that her close friend had lost her battle with cancer, describing it as a brief battle with the disease. Runyon's mother-in-law Nan Corman provided the most detailed account: Runyon fought cancer for six months and left all of them devastated.
The exact type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed. Family members had largely kept information about her health away from the public eye in the months leading up to her death.
Family Statement — "A Long and Arduous Journey"
Her family shared the news in a Facebook post, writing that her passing came at the end of a long and arduous journey, and that she was surrounded by her family. They added she will always be remembered for her love of life and devotion to her family and friends, ending the tribute with "Rest in peace our Jenn."
Her brother David Runyon wrote on Facebook: "My beautiful sister Jennifer has joined the angels in Heaven. 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."
Tributes From Co-Stars — Scott Baio and Willie Aames React
Scott Baio, her Charles in Charge co-star, wrote: "I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jennifer Runyon on Charles in Charge. She was a sweet, kind, and generous actress to work with. Jennifer played my longtime girlfriend on Charles in Charge, however, she was also a wonderful mother and wife."
Co-star Willie Aames wrote that watching her slip away over the last few months was one of the hardest times of his life, and that no one will ever fill the massive hole left in their hearts.
Her Daughter's Heartbreaking Tribute
Runyon's daughter Bayley Corman — herself an actress with credits including 9-1-1, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Jane the Virgin — posted a tribute to her mother, writing: "all of the best parts of me came from you. i would give anything for one more day together."
Jennifer Runyon's Career and Life
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 Charles in Charge, portrayed Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas in 1988, and appeared in the pilot of Quantum Leap.
She is survived by her husband Todd Corman, whom she married on March 9, 1991, and their two children Wyatt, 32, and Bayley, 30.
