Jennifer Runyon Cause of Death | Ghostbusters Actress Dies at 65

While her family’s initial statement did not specify a cause, referring to her passing as the end of “a long and arduous journey” , her close friend, actress Erin Murphy, publicly shared that Runyon died after “a brief battle with cancer” . This information was later confirmed by her representative . Runyon is remembered for her roles in Ghostbusters, Charles in Charge, and A Very Brady Christmas

A Beloved 80s Icon: The Life and Passing of Jennifer Runyon

The entertainment world lost a cherished figure from its 1980s golden era with the passing of actress Jennifer Runyon. She died on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of 65, after a battle with cancer . Her death was met with an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and fans who remembered her for her memorable roles and her warmth off-screen.

Cause of Death and Final Days

Jennifer Runyon’s passing followed a health struggle that was described both as a “brief battle with cancer” by her close friend, actress Erin Murphy, and as a “long and arduous journey” by her family . A representative later clarified that she had been battling cancer for six months . The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed by her family .

Her family confirmed her death in a heartfelt Facebook post. “This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away,” the statement read. “It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family. She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends. I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace, our Jenn” .

Her daughter, Bayley Corman, shared a deeply moving tribute on Instagram, posting a carousel of photos and videos that captured their close bond. “All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together,” Bayley wrote. “The kindest most compassionate person I’ve ever known. My best friend. I wasn’t ready for this” .

Early Life and Family

Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Runyon was destined for a life in the spotlight . She came from a show business family; her father, Jim Runyon, was a well-known radio announcer and disc jockey, and her mother, Jane Roberts, was also an actress . Her parents even worked together at Chicago’s WCFL radio station, providing voices for the popular “Chickenman” show .

In 1991, she married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production . Together, they had two children, a son named Wyatt and a daughter named Bayley .

A Career Defined by Memorable Roles

Jennifer Runyon’s acting career, which began in the late 1970s, made her a familiar face to audiences throughout the 1980s and early 1990s . Her work spanned film and television, often leaving a lasting impression even in smaller roles.

Her big break came when she played Sally Frame in the daytime soap opera “Another World,” appearing in over 100 episodes from 1981 to 1983 .

The year 1984 was a breakout year for Runyon, featuring three notable projects:

• Ghostbusters: She appeared in the iconic supernatural comedy as a female college student who is given an ESP test by Bill Murray’s character, Dr. Peter Venkman. The scene remains a beloved moment in the film .

• Up the Creek: She played Heather Merriweather in this raucous comedy starring Tim Matheson and Stephen Furst .

• Charles in Charge: Runyon took on the role of Gwendolyn Pierce, the girlfriend of Scott Baio’s character, in the first season of this popular sitcom .

She continued to build an impressive résumé throughout the decade. In 1988, she starred in the beloved TV movie A Very Brady Christmas, taking on the role of Cindy Brady, a part originally played by Susan Olsen . Her other credits included guest appearances on hit shows like Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote , and Beverly Hills, 90210 . She also appeared in films such as The In Crowd (1988) and the sci-fi horror film Carnosaur (1993) . Her final credited role was in the 2025 film “Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson” .

Life After Hollywood and Lasting Legacy

In the early 1990s, Runyon made the conscious decision to step back from her acting career to focus on raising her family . The family moved away from Hollywood, living in Idaho and Oregon for about ten years before eventually returning to Southern California to be closer to aging parents .

Upon her return, she shared her love for performance in a new way by teaching acting to children. She focused on using improvisation exercises to help kids build confidence and overcome the fear of public speaking . “Never be afraid to try something new,” she advised in a 2016 interview .

The tributes following her death painted a picture of a woman deeply loved by those who knew her. Her Charles in Charge co-star Willie Aames shared an emotional post, writing, “Jenn was more than a friend. She was my dear dear friend, muse, and encourager. We shared family Christmas’s together, vacations, weekends, lunches and dinners together… We did shows together, but most of all- we LAUGHED. That was Jenn- even up until her last weeks” .

Jennifer Runyon is remembered not only for the bright spots she created on screen in some of the most cherished projects of the 1980s but also for the love and laughter she brought to her family and friends in her life beyond the camera .