Actress Jennifer Runyon, known for her appearances in the iconic film Ghostbusters and the television sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65.
Her family confirmed that the beloved performer passed away on March 6 after battling cancer for several months. According to reports, she had been fighting the illness for roughly six months before her passing. She died peacefully while surrounded by loved ones.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media and reported by ABC7 Los Angeles, her family expressed gratitude for the time they had with her and the love she shared throughout her life.
“This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family. We are so grateful for the time we had with her and for the love and support she shared with so many people throughout her life. She will always be remembered for her love of life and the deep devotion she had to her family and friends.”
A familiar face of the 1980s
Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Runyon rose to prominence during the 1980s, becoming a recognizable face in both film and television.
Many fans remember her from the opening scene of Ghostbusters, the blockbuster supernatural comedy that became a defining movie of the decade. Although her appearance in the film was brief, it became one of the memorable moments that introduced audiences to the story.
She also gained attention on television through her role as Gwendolyn Pierce on Charles in Charge, a popular sitcom that aired in the 1980s and followed the life of a college student working as a live-in babysitter for a family.
Television appearances and career highlights
Beyond those well-known roles, Runyon appeared in several successful television series during her acting career. Among them were the time-travel drama Quantum Leap, the mystery series Murder, She Wrote, and the action drama Magnum, P.I..
Her work across these shows helped establish her as a familiar supporting actress of the era, frequently appearing in guest roles that contributed to the storytelling of many well-known programs.
Later in life, Runyon gradually stepped away from acting, choosing to devote more time to her family and personal pursuits.
Family and legacy
Jennifer Runyon is survived by her husband, Todd Corman, as well as their two children, Wyatt and Bayley.
Friends, fans, and former colleagues have remembered her not only for her roles on screen but also for her warmth and dedication to those closest to her.
For many viewers who grew up watching television and films in the 1980s, her performances remain part of the era’s cultural memory.
As tributes continue to appear online, many fans are reflecting on the moments she helped bring to life on screen and the impact she left behind.
Jennifer Runyon’s passing marks the loss of another familiar face from a memorable period in entertainment history. She will be remembered by those who watched her work and by the family and friends who shared her life.
