Jennifer Runyon, the actress recognized for her work in the iconic 1984 film Ghostbusters and the television series Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65. The actress passed away on Friday evening following a six-month battle with cancer, according to multiple reports confirmed on Sunday, March 8.
Erin Murphy, actress and friend of Runyon, announced the death through social media, stating that Runyon had passed away after a brief battle with the disease. A representative for the actress confirmed that she had been fighting cancer for six months prior to her death.
In a statement shared on social media, Runyon's family described the difficult final chapter of her life. The family indicated that she passed away surrounded by loved ones, characterizing her journey as both long and arduous. They remembered her for her profound love of life and unwavering devotion to family and friends, noting that she would be looking down on them with her beautiful smile.
Runyon's career in entertainment spanned several decades and included numerous memorable performances. In Ghostbusters, she portrayed a young student who participated in a paranormal assessment conducted by Bill Murray's character, Peter Venkman, in a scene that became one of the film's lighter moments. She later took on the role of Gwendolyn Pierce during the first season of Charles in Charge, establishing herself as a recognizable face in 1980s television.
Among her notable roles was her portrayal of Cindy Brady in the 1988 television film A Very Brady Christmas. Runyon stepped into the role when the original actress, Susan Olsen, was unavailable due to her honeymoon. In an interview published in December 2025, Runyon expressed her enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating that she did not know anybody who would not want to be a Brady once in their life.
Throughout her career, Runyon appeared in numerous television series, including Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Murder, She Wrote. Her versatility as an actress allowed her to navigate various genres and character types across the entertainment landscape.
Runyon is survived by her husband, Todd Corman, whom she married in 1991, and their two children: son Wyatt and daughter Bayley. Her daughter shared a heartfelt tribute on social media Sunday, posting photographs and video footage of time spent with her mother. In her message, Bayley wrote that all of the best parts of her came from her mother, expressing that she would give anything for one more day together.
Murphy, who announced the death, shared her own tribute, describing Runyon as a special person whom she knew she would be friends with before they even met. She expressed that her thoughts were with Runyon's family and children during this difficult time.
The entertainment community continues to mourn the loss of an actress whose work brought joy to audiences across multiple generations. Runyon's contributions to film and television remain part of the cultural fabric of 1980s and 1990s entertainment, ensuring that her legacy will endure beyond her passing.