Jennifer Runyon, the actress known for her roles in Ghostbusters and the 1980s sitcom Charles in Charge, has died aged 65.
The star passed away on March 6, 2026 following a brief battle with cancer. The news was confirmed by her close friend, actress Erin Murphy, in a heartfelt tribute shared on Facebook.
“So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer,” Erin wrote. “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.”
Jennifer built a steady acting career throughout the 1980s, appearing in both television and film. She made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher movie To All a Good Night before landing supporting roles in the 1984 comedies Up the Creek and the blockbuster Ghostbusters.
© CBS via Getty ImagesThe same year, she joined the cast of Charles in Charge, playing Gwendolyn Pierce during the show’s first season. Although the role was later recast when the sitcom was revived in syndication, the series became one of the defining television comedies of the decade.
Jennifer also stepped into a beloved pop-culture role in 1988 when she portrayed Cindy Brady in the television movie A Very Brady Christmas, based on the classic sitcom The Brady Bunch.
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, she continued working across both film and television. Her credits included the comedy 18 Again! as well as appearances on popular series such as Murder, She Wrote and Beverly Hills, 90210. She also appeared in the pilot episode of Quantum Leap.
© Getty ImagesJennifer was born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to radio announcer and disc jockey Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts, growing up in a household connected to the entertainment world.
In 1991, she married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production between sports seasons. The couple welcomed two children together – son Wyatt and daughter Bayley.
© Getty ImagesIn later years, Jennifer stepped away from the spotlight. In 2014 she revealed she had largely retired from acting and was working as a teacher instead.
“She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” read the tribute shared online. “I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace, our Jenn.”
Read the full article here
