Actress jennifer runyon, 'ghostbusters' star, dies at 65
Chicago native Jennifer Runyon, best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65 after a brief battle with cancer. The news, first shared by her friend and former co-star Erin Murphy on Instagram, has prompted an outpouring of remembrance for the actress who charmed audiences for decades.
A legacy of roles and laughter
Murphy, who gained fame for her role in Bewitched, announced Runyon's passing on Thursday, calling her a “special lady” and a dear friend. The news follows reports of Runyon’s death circulating online, though her social media accounts have since been made private. Born on April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Runyon's early life involved frequent relocations as her father, Jim Runyon, a radio announcer and DJ, worked in cities like Cleveland and Boston. Her mother, Jane Roberts, was also an actress, and the pair collaborated on WCFL in Chicago, voicing characters for the superhero spoof Chickenman.
Runyon began her acting career with a role on the daytime soap opera Another World from 1981 to 1983. She then landed the part of Gwendloyn Pierce in the first season of Charles in Charge in 1984, a role that brought her considerable recognition. Although Charles in Charge was canceled after one season, it was revived for four seasons of syndication beginning in 1987.
Beyond television, Runyon appeared in the 1984 teen film Up the Creek, where she earned a reputation for her role as Heather Merriweather. Her appearance in Ghostbusters remains a memorable moment, with her character receiving an ESP test from Bill Murray'sPeter Venkman and being deemed psychic. She also stepped into the role of Cindy Brady in the 1988 TV movie A Very Brady Christmas.
In 1993, Runyon took on a different kind of role in the science horror film Carnosaur. She married Todd Corman in 1991, and together they had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. In 2016, Runyon shared that she had stepped away from acting to focus on raising her family. The family eventually settled in Southern California after living in Idaho and Oregon.
Even after leaving the spotlight, Runyon continued to nurture her passion for performance, teaching acting to children. She emphasized the importance of overcoming fear and embracing new experiences. Willie Aames, who starred alongside Runyon in Charles in Charge, remembered her as a dear friend and a constant source of laughter. “Jenn was more than a friend. She was my dear dear friend, muse, and encourager,” he wrote on social media. “That was Jenn- even up until her last weeks.”
Runyon’s career spanned a variety of genres, and she leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances. Her ability to connect with audiences, combined with her warmth and humor, ensured she will be fondly remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
The sudden loss of Runyon serves as a poignant reminder of the ephemeral nature of fame and the enduring power of human connection. Her impact on television and film, though sometimes overlooked, resonated deeply with viewers, and her laughter echoes still.
Sources: Fandango, Instagram