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Mar 8, 2026 3:13pm PT
Jennifer Runyon, ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Charles in Charge’ Actress, Dies at 65
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Jennifer Runyon, an actress known for her roles in “Ghostbusters” and the CBS sitcom “Charles in Charge,” died March 6. She was 65.
Runyon’s close friend, Erin Murphy, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, writing, “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.”
Runyon made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher film “To All a Good Night” and went on to have supporting roles in the comedies “Up the Creek” and “Ghostbusters,” both released in 1984.
The actress also had a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the 1984 sitcom “Charles in Charge” during the show’s first season. In 1988, she portrayed Cindy Brady in the television film “A Very Brady Christmas.” Also in 1988, Runyon played the lead in “The In Crowd” and was in the pilot of “Quantum Leap.” She also starred in the comedy “18 Again!,” and made guest appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” “A Man Called Sarge,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Runyon was born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Ill. to radio announcer and disc jockey Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts.
In 1991, Runyon married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production between sports seasons. The couple have two children: a son named Wyatt and a daughter named Bayley.
In 2014, Runyon stated she was semi-retired from acting and was instead working as a teacher.
“She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” read her Facebook tribute post. “I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace, our Jenn.”
Jennifer Runyon, ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Charles in Charge’ Actress, Dies at 65
Getty
Jennifer Runyon, an actress known for her roles in “Ghostbusters” and the CBS sitcom “Charles in Charge,” died March 6. She was 65.
Runyon’s close friend, Erin Murphy, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, writing, “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.”
Runyon made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher film “To All a Good Night” and went on to have supporting roles in the comedies “Up the Creek” and “Ghostbusters,” both released in 1984.
The actress also had a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the 1984 sitcom “Charles in Charge” during the show’s first season. In 1988, she portrayed Cindy Brady in the television film “A Very Brady Christmas.” Also in 1988, Runyon played the lead in “The In Crowd” and was in the pilot of “Quantum Leap.” She also starred in the comedy “18 Again!,” and made guest appearances on “Murder, She Wrote,” “A Man Called Sarge,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Runyon was born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Ill. to radio announcer and disc jockey Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts.
In 1991, Runyon married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production between sports seasons. The couple have two children: a son named Wyatt and a daughter named Bayley.
In 2014, Runyon stated she was semi-retired from acting and was instead working as a teacher.
“She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” read her Facebook tribute post. “I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace, our Jenn.”
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