Jennifer Runyon, Beloved Ghostbusters Star, Dies at 65

Actress Jennifer Runyon, known for her role in the iconic 1984 film Ghostbusters, has passed away at the age of 65. Runyon died on March 6, 2024, following a brief battle with cancer, as confirmed by her close friend, Erin Murphy, in a heartfelt Facebook post.

Murphy expressed her sorrow in the post, stating, “So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer.” She remembered Runyon as a special person who made a lasting impression: “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. I’ll miss you, Jenn. My thoughts are with your family and beautiful children.”

Runyon’s family later shared a touching tribute on Facebook, noting, “This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family.” They highlighted her love for life and devotion to her loved ones, concluding with a sentiment that she would be watching over them with her beautiful smile.

While specific details regarding the type of cancer Runyon was diagnosed with remain unclear, her impact on the entertainment industry is widely recognized. Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, she began her acting career in 1980 with the film To All a Goodnight. She gained prominence for her role as Sally Frame in the ABC soap opera Another World, where she appeared from 1981 to 1983 in 111 episodes.

In the same year as her role in Ghostbusters, she starred in the comedy film Up the Creek as Heather Merriweather. Runyon later became known for her portrayal of Gwendolyn Pierce in the CBS sitcom Charles in Charge, which aired from 1984 to 1987. Additionally, she took over the role of Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas and featured in various notable productions, including the coming-of-age drama The in Crowd and the body-swap comedy 18 Again!.

In her personal life, Runyon married Todd Corman in 1991 and had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. In 2014, she indicated that she had semi-retired from acting and was focusing on her career as a teacher.

Jennifer Runyon’s contributions to film and television remain cherished by her fans and colleagues alike. Her legacy will continue to inspire many within the industry.