Jennifer Runyon, the actress who popped up in 1984’s “Ghostbusters” and played Gwendolyn Pierce during the first season of the CBS sitcom “Charles in Charge,” has died. She was 65.
A close friend, former child star Erin Murphy, confirmed Runyon’s death in a Facebook tribute, saying she passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Murphy remembered her as someone you instantly felt connected to, writing that she’ll miss her dearly and that her thoughts are with Runyon’s family and children.
Runyon’s career took off in the early ’80s, starting with her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher “To All a Good Night.” She later landed roles in the comedies “Up the Creek” and “Ghostbusters,” both released in 1984, helping cement her as a familiar face in that era’s TV-and-movie lineup.
TV fans also know her from the holiday nostalgia staple “A Very Brady Christmas,” where she played Cindy Brady. She continued working steadily through the decade with appearances connected to projects like “Quantum Leap,” plus roles in films including “The In Crowd” and “18 Again!” She also made guest stops on popular series like “Murder, She Wrote” and “Beverly Hills, 90210,” building a résumé packed with recognizable titles.
Born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Runyon came from a showbiz-leaning family — her father, Jim Runyon, worked as a radio announcer and disc jockey, and her mother, Jane Roberts, was an actress.
In 1991, she married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and TV production between sports seasons. The couple shared two children, a son, Wyatt, and a daughter, Bayley.
Later in life, Runyon stepped back from the spotlight. In 2014, she said she was semi-retired from acting and had shifted her focus to teaching.
“She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” the Facebook tribute said, adding that she’s being remembered for her bright smile and the impact she left on the people who loved her.
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