Jennifer Runyon, the actress who gained fame in the 1980s for her roles in the film Ghostbusters and the sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65 after a private battle with stage 4 lymphoma, her family confirmed. Runyon passed away on March 6, 2026, surrounded by her husband, Todd Corman, and their two children, Wyatt and Bayley.

Private Struggle with Aggressive Lymphoma

Runyon’s family has not publicly disclosed the full details of her illness, but close friends and reports have confirmed that she was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma about six months before her death. This diagnosis, which was reportedly aggressive, led to a rapid decline in her health despite the support of her medical team and loved ones.

According to her family, the final months of Runyon’s life were described as a ‘long and arduous journey.’ Her condition progressed quickly, and she spent her last days at home, away from the public eye. Her treatment began in the fall of 2025, but the disease proved to be particularly difficult to manage.

Erin Murphy, a fellow actress and close friend of Runyon, was the first to publicly confirm her cancer battle. In a Facebook post, Murphy wrote that Runyon passed away after a ‘brief battle with cancer.’ Her statement reflected the rapid nature of the illness and the short time she had to fight it.

Family and Industry Pay Tribute

Runyon’s family shared a heartfelt message on her official Facebook page, stating, ‘This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away; it was a long and arduous journey that concluded with her surrounded by her family.’ They described her as a ‘lively spirit’ who was devoted to her family and friends.

Her daughter, actress Bayley Corman, took to Instagram to express her grief, writing, ‘All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together.’ The emotional tribute underscored the deep personal loss felt by her family.

The entertainment industry also mourned her passing. Erin Murphy shared a heartfelt message, saying, ‘Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady.’ Fans took to social media to express their sadness and reminisce about her memorable roles.

One fan wrote, ‘There goes my childhood,’ while another reflected on her role in Ghostbusters, saying, ‘Rest in peace, Jennifer Runyon; you will be missed. You were fantastic in Ghostbusters and 18 Again.’ The official Ghostbusters social media accounts also acknowledged her passing, highlighting her role as the ‘Female Student’ in Dr. Venkman’s ESP test scene.

Legacy in 1980s Pop Culture

Runyon’s career, though she semi-retired from acting in 2014 to focus on teaching, left an indelible mark on 1980s pop culture. She made her screen debut in the 1980 slasher film To All a Goodnight before landing a role in the soap opera Another World.

Her portrayal of the Female Student in Ghostbusters became a memorable moment in the film, and her role in Charles in Charge earned her a dedicated fan base. Her presence in the 1980s entertainment scene helped shape the era’s pop culture landscape.

While Runyon kept her health struggles private, the timeline of her illness suggests that her final months were marked by a rapid decline. Her family’s decision to keep the details of her condition private was a reflection of their desire to honor her life on their own terms.

The impact of her passing has been felt across the entertainment community, with many expressing their condolences and reminiscing about the joy she brought to their lives. As the world mourns the loss of Jennifer Runyon, her legacy will undoubtedly endure through the memories she left behind.