Jennifer Runyon, the beloved actress whose sunny presence brightened 1980s screens in Ghostbusters, Charles in Charge and A Very Brady Christmas, died March 6, 2026, at age 65 after a six-month battle with cancer. Her family announced the news via social media, describing a "long and arduous journey" that ended with her surrounded by loved ones. Tributes poured in from fans, friends and fellow actors, including Erin Murphy of Bewitched, who shared her grief publicly.

Jennifer Runyon
Jennifer Runyon

Born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, Runyon carved a niche in film and television with charm, versatility and a knack for memorable supporting roles. Though she stepped away from the spotlight in later years, her contributions endure through cult classics and nostalgic revivals. Here are 10 key facts about her life, career and legacy.

  1. Chicago Roots and Early Ambitions Runyon grew up in the Midwest, daughter of broadcaster Jim Runyon. She pursued acting after moving to California, making her feature debut in the 1980 slasher To All a Goodnight. Her early work reflected the era's horror-comedy blend, setting the stage for bigger opportunities.
  2. Soap Opera Breakthrough as Sally Frame Runyon landed her first major role on the NBC daytime drama Another World (1981–1983), playing Sally Frame. The part introduced her to national audiences during soaps' golden age, showcasing her dramatic range before she transitioned to primetime and film.
  3. Iconic 'Ghostbusters' ESP Scene In Ivan Reitman's 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters, Runyon portrayed the female student in the opening ESP experiment with Bill Murray's Peter Venkman. Her reactions—flustered yet composed—became a fan-favorite moment in the comedy classic. The scene remains a staple in pop culture retrospectives.
  4. Lead Role in 'Charles in Charge' First Season Runyon played Gwendolyn Pierce, Scott Baio's love interest, in the debut season of the CBS sitcom Charles in Charge (1984–1985). She appeared in 18 episodes, bringing warmth to the family comedy before the show shifted networks and casts.
  5. Stepping In as Cindy Brady In the 1988 CBS television movie A Very Brady Christmas, Runyon replaced Susan Olsen as Cindy Brady. The reunion special drew huge ratings, with her portrayal adding fresh energy to the beloved franchise. It marked one of her most nostalgic roles.
  6. Teen Comedy Staple in 'Up the Creek' Runyon starred opposite Tim Matheson and Stephen Furst in the 1984 raunchy comedy Up the Creek. As a college student in the canoe-race farce, she embodied the era's lighthearted, adventurous spirit.
  7. Diverse TV Guest Spots Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Runyon guested on hits like Who's the Boss?, Magnum, P.I., Murder, She Wrote, Quantum Leap and Beverly Hills, 90210. Her versatility kept her working steadily across genres.
  8. Later Career and Retirement Runyon appeared in lower-profile projects into the 2020s, including Gunfight at Silver Creek (2020) and Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson (2024). She retired from acting around 2025, settling in San Clemente, California, with husband Todd Corman (married 1991) and children Wyatt and Bayley. She co-hosted a cooking podcast and pursued personal interests.
  9. Family Life and Personal Passions Married to collegiate basketball coach Todd Corman since 1991, Runyon prioritized family. She spoke fondly of balancing motherhood with her career and maintained close ties to industry friends. Her Instagram (now private) reflected a life of gratitude and quiet joys.
  10. Enduring Fan Appreciation and Tributes Runyon's death sparked an outpouring of memories. Fans celebrated her warmth, beauty and contributions to 1980s nostalgia. Erin Murphy's post highlighted her kindness, while conventions like Chiller Theatre Expo (where she appeared in 2017) kept her connected to admirers. Her work continues streaming on platforms, introducing new generations to her charm.

Runyon's passing at 65 underscores the fragility of life amid ongoing health battles in Hollywood. Yet her roles—playful, memorable and full of heart—ensure her place in entertainment history. As tributes continue, she is remembered not just for the characters she played, but for the joy she brought to audiences.