Jennifer Runyon, an actress whose career spanned decades and included memorable roles in popular TV shows and films, has died at the age of 65. Runyon passed away on March 6 following a short battle with cancer, according to her longtime friend and fellow actress Erin Murphy, who shared the news on social media.

Family and Friends Remember Jennifer Runyon

Runyon’s family and close friends took to social media to express their grief and share personal tributes to the actress. David Runyon, her brother, posted a heartfelt message on Facebook, calling her a ‘wonderful mother and talented actress who especially loved the beauty in nature.’

‘My beautiful sister Jennifer has joined the angels in Heaven. Her soft voice and sweet smile will remain with me forever,’ he wrote. Runyon is survived by her husband, Todd Corman, and their children Wyatt and Bayley Corman.

Bayley Corman, now 20, honored her mother’s memory on Instagram, writing, ‘All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together.’

Actress with a Diverse Career

Runyon’s career in the entertainment industry began in the 1980 film To All a Goodnight, where she played a supporting role. She later appeared in the NBC soap opera Another World, which helped establish her as a rising talent in the 1980s.

Her breakout role came in the 1984 film Ghostbusters, where she played one of Peter Venkman’s test subjects. The movie, which became a cultural phenomenon, solidified her status in the industry. Runyon’s role in the film, alongside Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd, was a key moment in her career.

Runyon continued to build her filmography with roles in movies such as Up the Creek, The Falcon and the Snowman, and 18 Again!. She also appeared in the 1988 TV movie A Very Brady Christmas, where she played Cindy Brady, a role that involved reprising the character from the original Brady Bunch series.

Television Roles and Legacy

On television, Runyon was a series regular in the first season of the sitcom Charles in Charge, which premiered in 1984, just months after Ghostbusters was released. She also made guest appearances on popular shows such as Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, and Booker.

Her final on-screen appearance was in the 2019 documentary Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, which celebrated the legacy of the iconic film. Runyon was also known for her role in Quantum Leap, where she played a recurring character, further showcasing her versatility as an actress.

Runyon’s co-stars from Charles in Charge also paid tribute to her memory. Scott Baio described her as ‘sweet, kind, and generous,’ while Willie Aames called her his ‘dear dear friend, muse, and encourager.’

Personal Life and Later Years

Runyon married Todd Corman in 1991, and the couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. While she continued to act in the early 1990s, Runyon eventually shifted her focus to raising her family. She moved to Idaho and Oregon, where she spent much of the next two decades.

Despite stepping away from acting, Runyon remained active in the entertainment industry by teaching acting to children in her local schools. In a 2016 interview, she shared her motivation for doing so. ‘My hope was, this is a way to enlighten kids, showing them it’s ok to stand up in front of people; anybody can do this,’ she said.

Her daughter, Bayley Corman, has followed in her mother’s footsteps, appearing on popular TV shows such as Faking It, 2 Broke Girls, Jane the Virgin, Modern Family, and Bel-Air.

Impact on the Entertainment Industry

Jennifer Runyon’s contributions to television and film have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Her role in Ghostbusters is particularly remembered by fans and critics alike. The film, which was released in 1984, remains a cultural touchstone and is often cited as one of the most influential comedies of the 1980s.

Runyon’s versatility as an actress allowed her to take on a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic. Her ability to adapt to different genres and characters made her a respected figure in the industry.

According to Variety, her husband, Todd Corman, worked in film and television production in between seasons as a collegiate basketball coach. This connection helped Runyon remain involved in the industry even as she focused on her family life.

What’s Next for Her Legacy

As the entertainment community mourns Jennifer Runyon’s passing, her family and friends are preparing to honor her memory. The documentary Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, in which Runyon had a final on-screen appearance, is expected to be re-released in the coming months to celebrate her career and contributions to the film.

Her children, Wyatt and Bayley, have continued to carry on her legacy in their own careers. Bayley Corman has appeared in several popular TV shows, while Wyatt has also been involved in the entertainment industry.

Runyon’s family has not yet announced any specific plans for a memorial or tribute event, but they have asked for privacy as they handle this difficult time.