Jennifer Runyon, ‘Ghostbusters’ Actress, Dies at 65
Jennifer Runyon, a beloved actress known for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge, passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 65. The news was shared by friends and family, marking a loss for the entertainment industry.
A Career Spanning Decades
Runyon’s career began in the 1980s, with her first film credit in 1980’s To All a Goodnight. She gained wider recognition for her portrayal of a student in Ivan Reitman’s 1984 comedy classic, Ghostbusters, sharing the screen with Bill Murray. She similarly became known for her role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the television series Charles in Charge. Further credits included A Very Brady Christmas, where she played Cindy Brady, Up the Creek and The In Crowd.
Tributes from Friends and Family
Runyon’s daughter, Bayley Corman, an actress herself, expressed her grief on Instagram, stating, “All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together.” Her brother, David Runyon, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, remembering her as a dedicated mother and talented actress who loved nature. Bewitched actress Erin Murphy also paid tribute, describing Runyon as a “special lady” and expressing her sadness at the loss.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Runyon was the daughter of Jim Runyon, a popular radio disc jockey. She initially pursued acting in Latest York City, appearing in the soap opera Another World, before moving to Los Angeles to further her career. In a 1984 interview, Runyon expressed her luck in avoiding typecasting, noting the diversity of roles she had secured.
Later Years and Legacy
Runyon continued to work in television and film, with credits including Quantum Leap, Booker, Murder She Wrote, and Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson. After retiring from consistent on-screen work, she dedicated six years to working with at-risk youth in high schools.
Family Life
Jennifer Runyon married collegiate basketball coach Todd Corman in 1991. Together, they had two children: son Wyatt and daughter Bayley Corman, who also followed in her mother’s footsteps as an actress, appearing in shows like Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Jane the Virgin.
Did you know?
Jennifer Runyon and Todd Corman first met while working on the 1986 film Dreams of Gold.
FAQ
- What was Jennifer Runyon known for? She was best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge.
- When did Jennifer Runyon pass away? She passed away on March 6, 2026.
- Who were Jennifer Runyon’s children? She had two children, Wyatt and Bayley Corman.
- What did Jennifer Runyon do after retiring from acting? She worked with at-risk youth in high schools for six years.
Pro Tip: Supporting the arts and remembering the contributions of actors like Jennifer Runyon helps preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
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