Scott Baio has taken to Instagram to honour his former co-star Jennifer Runyon following her death at the age of 65. Runyon's family announced the sad news on Sunday, and Baio, also 65, paid tribute in a joint post with actress Josie Davis hours later.
Heartfelt Memories from Charles In Charge
In his post, Baio wrote, 'I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jennifer Runyon on Charles In Charge. She was a sweet, kind, and generous actress to work with. Jennifer played my longtime girlfriend on Charles In Charge, however, she was also a wonderful mother and wife.'
He shared two group photos featuring Runyon, Davis, and Willie Ames from their final reunion over six years ago. Baio added, 'We last saw each other at The Hollywood Christmas Parade in late 2019. I’m sending my deepest condolences, prayers, and sympathy to her family during this difficult time. God bless her and her family.'
Details of Her Passing and Career
Runyon's loved ones revealed her passing in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, '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 noted she would 'always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,' ending with, 'Rest in peace our Jenn.'
While a specific cause of death was not initially disclosed, actress Erin Murphy provided more insight on Instagram, writing, 'So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer. Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady. I’ll miss you Jenn. My thoughts are with your family and beautiful children.'
Born in Chicago in April 1960, 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 appeared in the blockbuster comedy Ghostbusters as a nervous student undergoing an ESP experiment. She also starred in the television series Charles In Charge, which aired for five seasons between 1984 and 1990, with Baio in the titular role and Runyon as his love interest Gwendolyn Pierce.
Wide-Ranging Acting Portfolio
Runyon showcased impressive range with roles in soap operas like Another World and guest turns on shows such as Magnum, P.I., Quantum Leap, and Murder, She Wrote. Her film credits include comedies like Up the Creek and The In Crowd, as well as small roles in the world war parody A Man Called Sarge and the cult sci‑fi horror Carnosaur.
She lived in Southern California with her husband, basketball coach Todd Corman, 68, and they shared two children: daughter Bayley, 30, and son Wyatt, 32.
