Jennifer Runyon: Ghostbusters Actress Dies at 65 After Battle with Cancer

Jennifer Runyon, the actress known for her roles in the iconic Ghostbusters films and the TV series Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65.

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Actress Jennifer Runyon reportedly passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026, at the age of 65.

The sad news was confirmed by family members via social media, and her spokesperson told Fox News that Runyon passed away after a battle with cancer.

Runyon is best known for her role as a college student in the 1984 classic film Ghostbusters, in which she undergoes an ESP test by Bill Murray's character Peter Venkman.

She was also popular for her role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of the sitcom Charles in Charge.

Remembering Her Iconic Role in Ghostbusters

Jennifer Runyon made her mark in the Hollywood film industry through her unforgettable role in Ghostbusters.

At the age of 23, she played a college student who is subjected to an extrasensory perception (ESP) test by Peter Venkman (Bill Murray).

Despite her relatively small role, Runyon found the film's script very enjoyable and expressed her enthusiasm for working with Bill Murray.

Some sources mistakenly refer to her character as Chloe, but her role is better known as one of the students who interacts with Venkman early in the film.

Her brief scene in Ghostbusters became one of the iconic opening moments, marked a significant milestone in her acting career.

A Brilliant Career on the Small and Big Screen

Beyond Ghostbusters, Jennifer Runyon has had a diverse career in the entertainment industry.

She is best known for her role as Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of the popular sitcom Charles in Charge.

Runyon also played Cindy Brady in the 1988 television film A Very Brady Christmas, replacing actress Susan Olsen, who was unable to participate.

Her film debut was in the 1980 horror film To All a Goodnight, marking the beginning of her career in the film industry.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, she also appeared in TV series such as Another World, Quantum Leap, and Murder, She Wrote.Before achieving fame on the big screen, Runyon was also active in television since the early 1980s.

She appeared in various drama and comedy series, building the foundation of her acting career.

Her roles in Another World and Quantum Leap demonstrated her versatility in portraying diverse characters, from serious dramas to science fiction.

Her presence on screen often provided a distinctive touch that was easily remembered by audiences.

Life Journey and Struggle with Cancer

Jennifer Runyon was born in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on April 1, 1960.

In her personal life, she married Todd Corman on March 9, 1991.

With this marriage, she was blessed with two children, Wyatt and Bayley.

In 2014, Runyon announced that she had semi-retired from acting and pursued a career as a teacher.

Her death at the age of 65 was due to cancer.

Some reports said her battle with cancer lasted "six months" or was a "long and difficult journey," which her representatives confirmed.

Her death was confirmed by family members on social media, as well as by her close friend, actress Erin Murphy, who also shared the sad news.

Runyon is survived by her husband, Todd Corman, and their two children.