Jennifer Runyon, the actress recognized for her work in the 1980s classic Ghostbusters and the sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65 after a brief battle with cancer. Her passing on March 6 was confirmed through messages shared by friends and family, who remembered her not only for her acting career but also for her warmth and devotion to those closest to her.
A close friend, Erin Murphy, shared the news publicly, describing Runyon as someone whose friendship felt immediate and genuine. In a heartfelt message, she expressed sadness over the loss, calling Runyon “a special lady” and offering condolences to her family and children.
Early Life and Family Background
Runyon was born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois. Entertainment was already part of her world from the beginning. Her father, Jim Runyon, worked as a radio announcer and disc jockey, while her mother, Jane Roberts, was an actress. Growing up in a household connected to the arts, Runyon found her own path into the entertainment industry at a young age.
First Steps in Film and Television
Runyon made her film debut in 1980 in the slasher movie To All a Good Night. Not long after entering the industry, she began building a steady career in television.
In 1981, she secured a recurring role as Sally Frame on the daytime drama Another World, appearing across two seasons. During this early phase of her career, she also made guest appearances on several television shows, including Boone, The Fall Guy, and The Master, gradually establishing herself as a familiar face on TV.
Breakthrough Roles in the 1980s
The mid-1980s proved to be a defining period for Runyon. In 1984, she appeared in two films released the same year: the comedy Up the Creek and the blockbuster Ghostbusters. While her role in Ghostbusters was a supporting one, the film’s massive popularity ensured that it remained one of the most recognizable titles associated with her career.
Around that same time, Runyon joined the cast of the sitcom Charles in Charge, playing Gwendolyn Pierce during the show’s first season. The series, starring Scott Baio, became a staple of 1980s television and helped further raise Runyon’s profile among viewers.
Becoming Cindy Brady
One of Runyon’s most memorable television appearances came in 1988 when she stepped into the role of Cindy Brady in the reunion television film A Very Brady Christmas. She joined the cast of the beloved family comedy franchise The Brady Bunch when original actress Susan Olsen was unavailable for the project.
Although Runyon appeared alongside many of the original cast members for the holiday film, she did not return when the Brady family story continued in the short-lived 1990 television series The Bradys.
Additional Work in Film and Television
Runyon remained active throughout the late 1980s, taking on a variety of roles. She played the lead in the 1988 film The In Crowd and also appeared in the comedy 18 Again!.
Her television work included appearances on several well-known series, including Murder, She Wrote, A Man Called Sarge, and Beverly Hills, 90210. She was also part of the pilot episode for Quantum Leap, further demonstrating her range across different television genres.
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Away from the screen, Runyon built a family life with Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production during breaks from his sports career. The couple married on March 9, 1991.
Together they raised two children, a son named Wyatt and a daughter named Bayley. Friends often described Runyon as deeply devoted to her family, a trait that remained central to her life even as her acting career slowed down.
Later Years and New Pursuits
By 2014, Runyon had stepped back from full-time acting. In interviews during that period, she explained that she was semi-retired and had shifted her focus toward teaching. She also explored other creative outlets, including co-hosting her own cooking podcast.
The transition reflected a new chapter in her life, one that kept her connected to people in a different way while allowing her to pursue interests beyond Hollywood.
Remembering Jennifer Runyon
Tributes shared after her passing highlighted the qualities that defined Runyon both on and off the screen. Friends and family remembered her as someone who loved life deeply and valued the relationships around her.
Messages posted in her memory spoke of her kindness, her warmth, and the lasting impression she left on those who knew her. Many recalled her bright smile and the joy she brought into their lives.
Jennifer Runyon leaves behind her husband, Todd Corman, and their two children, Wyatt and Bayley. For fans who remember her from beloved films and television shows of the 1980s, and for those who knew her personally, her legacy will remain tied not only to her performances but also to the generosity of spirit that friends say defined her life.
