The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actress Jennifer Runyon, who has died at the age of 65. Her family confirmed the sad news in a heartfelt Facebook post, revealing she passed away on Friday night after a prolonged and difficult health struggle.
A Life Celebrated by Loved Ones
In their emotional statement, Runyon's family described her as being surrounded by loved ones at the end. They paid tribute to her vibrant spirit, writing: 'This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family.'
They added that she would 'always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,' concluding with a poignant farewell: 'Rest in peace our Jenn.' While no specific cause of death was disclosed, the message clearly referenced a lengthy health battle.
Rise to Fame in the 1980s
Born in Chicago in April 1960, Jennifer Runyon began her acting career in 1980 with a role in the slasher film To All a Goodnight. Her breakout year came in 1984, when she secured two iconic roles that cemented her place in pop culture history.
In the blockbuster comedy Ghostbusters, she played the nervous female student undergoing an ESP experiment—a small but memorable part that has endured with fans of the classic film. That same year, she starred as Gwendolyn Pierce on the beloved sitcom Charles in Charge, a role that helped establish her as a recognizable television presence throughout the decade.
Diverse Film and Television Portfolio
Runyon's career showcased impressive versatility. Her film credits included comedies like Up the Creek and The In Crowd, as well as the world war parody A Man Called Sarge and the cult sci‑fi horror Carnosaur.
On television, she demonstrated range with roles in soap opera Another World, guest turns on popular series such as Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, and Murder, She Wrote, and even a part on Beverly Hills, 90210. In 1988, she took on the nostalgic role of Cindy Brady in the holiday TV movie A Very Brady Christmas, stepping in for the original cast and earning fond recognition from fans.
Later Years and Personal Life
Although she stepped back from regular acting in the early 1990s, Runyon occasionally returned to the screen in later years. She appeared in horror and cult projects, including Silent Night, Bloody Night 2: Revival in 2015 and Terror Tales in 2016.
Offscreen, Runyon led a quieter life in Southern California with her husband, basketball coach Todd Corman, and their two children. Her family's tribute highlights a legacy defined not only by her professional achievements but also by her deep personal connections and enduring love for life.
