10 Photos to Remember Jennifer Runyon: 'Ghostbusters' and 'Charles in Charge' Actress Who Died at 65 After Cancer

Jennifer Runyon, best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge,died on 6 March 2026 at the age of 65. Although details surrounding her death were not publicised, a friend confirmed in a post that the actress had passed away after her battle with cancer. The sad news was confirmed by her family and friends through a social media post on Sunday, 8 March.

After establishing her career in film and television throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the actress remained a recognisable icon for fans of classic Hollywood comedies and sitcoms. Here are ten photos to remember the actress and her legacy.

Jennifer Runyon Dies at 65 After Cancer Battle

Runyon's family confirmed her death through a social media post on Sunday. The statement read: 'This past Friday [March 6], our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family," the post read. "She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends. Rest in peace our Jenn'.

Initially, her cause of death was not revealed to the public. However, her friend and Bewitched alum Erin Murphy, later shared that the actress had 'a brief battle with cancer'. The specific type of cancer has not been publicly revealed.

Murphy wrote in a post: '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. I'll miss you Jenn. My thoughts are with your family and beautiful children,' the 61-year-old actress added.

Who is Jennifer Runyon?

Born on 1 April 1960, Runyon grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She was the daughter of Jim Runyon, a popular radio personality who worked in several US cities, including a notable three-year stint at the Chicago Top 40 station WCFL.

Runyon was married to Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who has also worked in the film and television industry as an assistant director and is a member of the Directors Guild of America. Together, the couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley Corman.

In later years, Runyon chose to step away from the spotlight, settling in San Clemente, California. In a 2014 interview, she mentioned she was semi-retired from acting, having transitioned to working as a teacher and co-hosting a cooking podcast.

Memorable Roles Across Film and Television

Runyon is perhaps best remembered for her brief but iconic appearance in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters. In the film's opening sequence, she plays a college student taking part in an ESP experiment conducted by Bill Murray's character.

That same year, the actress also appeared in the teen comedy Up the Creek. She later played Cindy Brady in the 1988 television movie A Very Brady Christmas and appeared in the 1993 sci-fi horror film Carnosaur.

On television, Runyon also gained recognition for her role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the sitcom Charles in Charge. It has become a fan favourite during the 1980s.

Earlier in her career, she also became part of the daytime soap opera Another World and made guest appearances on popular shows of that period, such as Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, Magnum, P.I., and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Although Runyon stepped away from Hollywood in later years, she remained a recognisable figure among fans of classic 1980s film and television.