Jennifer Runyon, the actress best known for her roles in the hit 1980s film Ghostbusters and the television sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65 following a battle with cancer.
Runyon died on 6 March 2026, according to reports confirmed by family and friends. The actress, who built a career across film and television during the 1980s and 1990s, remained a familiar figure to fans of classic Hollywood comedies and sitcoms.
News of her death emerged publicly two days later and quickly spread across entertainment media and social platforms, prompting tributes from colleagues and fans who remembered her performances in several widely watched productions.
While details surrounding her illness were largely kept private, reports indicate that cancer was the cause of her death.
Cancer Diagnosis Behind Jennifer Runyon's Death
Friends close to Runyon confirmed that the actress had been fighting cancer prior to her passing. Actress Erin Murphy stated that Runyon had died after a brief battle with the disease.
The exact type of cancer has not been publicly disclosed. Family members had largely kept information about her health away from the public eye in the months leading up to her death.
Jennifer Runyon's Role in Ghostbusters
Runyon appeared in the iconic supernatural comedy Ghostbusters, which became one of the defining films of the 1980s.
Directed by Ivan Reitman, the film starred a leading cast that included Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The movie went on to become a cultural landmark and spawned multiple sequels and spin-offs.
Although her role in the film was a supporting one, the appearance connected Runyon with a project that remains widely recognised decades after its release.
Television Fame in Charles in Charge
Runyon also gained recognition for her appearances in the television sitcom Charles in Charge.
The series starred Scott Baio as a college student working as a live-in caretaker for a family. Runyon played the character Gwendolyn Pierce during the show's early run, appearing in several episodes that helped establish the programme's tone during its first season.
The sitcom aired during the mid-1980s and became a staple of American television, helping cement Runyon's place among familiar television faces of the era.
Jennifer Runyon's Other Movies and Television Credits
Beyond her most recognised roles, Runyon appeared in several other film and television productions throughout her acting career.
Her film credits include the 1984 comedy Up the Creek. She also appeared in a range of television series including Quantum Leap and Murder, She Wrote.
Runyon portrayed Cindy Brady in the television film A Very Brady Christmas, a reunion project connected to the long-running Brady franchise. She also appeared in episodes of the daytime drama Another World.
These roles allowed Runyon to maintain a steady presence on television throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Life Away From the Spotlight
In later years, Runyon gradually stepped away from acting and pursued other interests outside the entertainment industry.
She worked as a teacher and became involved in creative projects away from mainstream Hollywood production. Her decision to move away from full-time acting reflected a shift towards a quieter personal life.
Runyon is survived by her husband Todd Corman, a basketball coach and producer, and their two children.
Her career remains closely associated with the television sitcoms and films that defined popular entertainment in the 1980s, including her appearances in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge.
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