Jennifer Runyon, the actress best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and the CBS sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65. Her family confirmed her passing in a social media post on March 8, 2026.
“This past Friday, our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and challenging journey, but she was surrounded by her loved ones,” the post read. “She will always be remembered for her zest for life and her devotion to family and friends. Rest in peace, our Jenn.”
Runyon’s friend, Bewitched alum Erin Murphy, also shared the news on Facebook, noting that Runyon had “a brief battle with cancer.” Murphy, 61, 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 Runyon: A Look at Her Life and Career
Born in Chicago on April 1, 1960, Runyon made her screen debut in the 1980 slasher film To All a Good Night. She later appeared in the 1984 films Up the Creek and Ghostbusters, delivering a memorable performance as a student undergoing a paranormal evaluation alongside Bill Murray and Steven Tash.
In addition to her film work, Runyon starred in Charles in Charge and appeared in numerous television projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. She also took on the role of Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas, filling in for Susan Olsen, and made guest appearances on shows such as The Fall Guy, Boone, The Master, Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210.
Jennifer married college basketball coach Todd Corman, and the couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. Bayley Corman, herself an actress with credits in 9-1-1, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Jane the Virgin, paid tribute to her mother on Instagram: “All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together. The kindest, most compassionate person I’ve ever known. My best friend. I wasn’t ready for this.”
By 2014, Runyon had largely stepped back from acting and was working as a teacher.
Jennifer Runyon’s contributions to film and television, along with her warmth and devotion to family and friends, leave a lasting impression on those who knew her and the audiences who admired her performances.
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