Jennifer Runyon, an actress who became a staple of 1980s television and film, has died at 65 after a brief battle with cancer, her family confirmed. Runyon passed away on Friday, March 6, surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement shared by the Los Angeles Times.

From Chicago to Hollywood

Born in Chicago in 1960, Runyon was the daughter of Jim Runyon, a popular radio disc jockey in the city. She grew up in Los Angeles and pursued a career in acting, becoming one of the most recognizable faces of 1980s television and film.

Runyon’s career began in 1980 when she moved to New York for a role in the NBC soap opera ‘Another World.’ She later relocated to the West Coast, where she found success in Hollywood. In a 1984 interview with TV host Merv Griffin, she said she was nervous about being typecast due to the ‘California look’ but added that everything she had done had been ‘such a stretch for me.’

Her big break came in 1984 with her role in the iconic film ‘Ghostbusters,’ where she played a college student being tested for ESP abilities by Bill Murray’s character, Dr. Peter Venkman. She also starred in the college sex comedy ‘Up the Creek’ and played Gwendolyn Pierce, the love interest of Scott Baio’s character, in the first season of ‘Charles in Charge.’

Notable Roles and Legacy

Runyon’s career highlights include her role in the 1988 TV movie ‘A Very Brady Christmas,’ where she played Cindy Brady. She also made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as ‘Magnum, P.I.’ and ‘Beverly Hills, 90210.’

She was also featured in films like ‘To All a Goodnight’ (1980) and ‘Up the Creek’ (1984). Her work in the 1980s brought her to the attention of millions, and her performances in both film and television left a lasting impact on audiences.

Runyon stepped away from acting in the late 1990s to focus on her family. She married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach, in 1991, and the couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. Runyon also worked as a teacher and co-hosted a cooking podcast in her later years.

Personal Life and Tributes

Runyon’s longtime friend, ‘Bewitched’ actor Erin Murphy, announced the news on Sunday on social media, saying that Runyon had died after ‘a brief battle with cancer.’ Murphy described Runyon as ‘a special lady’ and said, ‘some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet.’

Runyon’s daughter, Bayley Corman, who is also an actress, honored her mother’s memory on Instagram, writing, ‘The kindest, most compassionate person I’ve ever known. My best friend. I wasn’t ready for this.’

Runyon’s co-stars from ‘Charles in Charge’ also paid tribute to her. Scott Baio called her ‘sweet, kind, and generous,’ while Willie Aames described her as his ‘dear dear friend, muse, and encourager,’ adding that she was his ‘rock’ in a lengthy Facebook post.

Runyon had previously spoken about her desire to teach acting to children, saying in a 2016 interview that she wanted to ‘enlighten kids, showing them it’s ok to stand up in front of people; anybody can do this.’

Friends and colleagues across the entertainment industry are mourning the loss of a performer whose work brought laughter and joy to so many. Runyon’s legacy as a beloved actress and mother will continue to be remembered by fans and family alike.