Jennifer Runyon Dead at 65: 'Ghostbusters' and 'Charles in Charge' Actress Loses Six-Month Cancer Battle

Jennifer Runyon, the Chicago-born actress who charmed audiences opposite Bill Murray in Ghostbusters and became a fixture of 1980s television, died March 6 after a six-month battle with cancer. She was 65.

The Family's Announcement

Her family confirmed the death in a statement posted to her official Facebook page on Sunday, March 8. "This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away, it was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family. She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends."

The specific type of cancer has not been disclosed. Her representative was direct: "She felt loved and blessed by her family and friends. She was beloved by countless people and will be missed."

Runyon is survived by her husband Todd Corman, whom she married in 1991, and their two children, Wyatt, 32, and Bayley, 30.

The Career That Defined a Generation

Born and raised in Chicago, Runyon made her screen debut in the 1980 slasher To All a Goodnight, then built her résumé steadily through the early part of the decade with a supporting role on the soap opera Another World.

The role most fans remember came in 1984. She played the female student on the receiving end of Peter Venkman's dubious ESP test in Ghostbusters — a brief scene opposite Murray that lodged itself permanently in the memory of anyone who grew up with the film. That same year she appeared in Up the Creek.

She then took the role of Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of Charles in Charge, playing the object of Scott Baio's titular character's affection. Later she stepped into a legacy role: Runyon took over Susan Olsen's part as Cindy Brady in the 1988 made-for-TV movie A Very Brady Christmas. Television kept her working for years after — credits included Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Tributes From Co-Stars

The response from former colleagues was immediate and personal. Charles in Charge co-star Willie Aames posted one of the most detailed tributes. "Jenn was more than a friend. She was my dear dear friend, muse, and encourager. We shared family Christmases together, vacations, weekends, lunches and dinners together… Watching you slip away these last few months was one of the hardest times of my life."

Scott Baio, who played opposite her for an entire season, kept his tribute brief but warm. "She was a sweet, kind, and generous actress to work with," he wrote, adding that they last saw each other at the Hollywood Christmas Parade in late 2019.

Bewitched actress Erin Murphy, a close personal friend, was among the first to confirm the cause of death publicly. "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."

Her Brother's Words

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."

Her daughter Bayley Corman, also an actress with credits including 9-1-1, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Jane the Virgin, posted a tribute of her own: "All of the best parts of me came from you."