The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Jennifer Runyon, a beloved actress who rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in the iconic film "Ghostbusters" and the popular sitcom "Charles In Charge." She died at the age of 65 after a brief battle with cancer, as confirmed by her longtime friend and fellow actor Erin Murphy on social media this past Sunday.
A Career Defined by Memorable Roles
Born in Chicago in 1960, Jennifer Runyon was the daughter of Jim Runyon, a well-known radio disc jockey in the city. She began her acting journey in 1980 with a role on the NBC soap opera "Another World" in New York before moving to the West Coast to pursue broader opportunities. In a 1984 interview with TV host Merv Griffin, Runyon expressed gratitude for her "California look" but noted her desire to avoid typecasting, stating, "everything I have done has been so different, such a stretch for me. And it can only get better."
Breakthrough in 1984
Runyon's career reached a pivotal moment in 1984 when she was cast in "Ghostbusters," playing a college student tested for ESP opposite Bill Murray. That same year, she appeared in the college sex comedy "Up The Creek" and secured the role of Gwendolyn Pierce on the first season of "Charles In Charge," which starred Scott Baio. These performances solidified her place in 1980s pop culture.
Later Television Work and Family Life
Throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, Runyon continued to act in various television shows, including "The Fall Guy," "Quantum Leap," "Magnum P.I.," and the 1988 TV-movie "A Very Brady Christmas," where she portrayed Cindy Brady. In 1991, she married Todd Corman, a collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production. Although she took on roles in series like "Beverly Hills 90210" and "Murder She Wrote," Runyon largely stepped back from professional acting to focus on raising her two children, Wyatt and Bayley, in Idaho and Oregon.
Legacy in Education and Tributes
In a 2016 interview, Runyon shared that she taught acting in her children's schools when they were young, aiming to empower kids by showing them that "it's ok to stand up in front of people; anybody can do this." Her daughter, Bayley Corman, now 20 and following in her mother's show business footsteps, paid tribute on Instagram, writing, "all of the best parts of me came from you." Co-stars from "Charles In Charge" also honored her memory, with Scott Baio describing her as "sweet, kind, and generous" on social media, and Willie Aames calling her a "dear dear friend, muse, and encourager."
Jennifer Runyon's passing marks the end of a career that spanned memorable on-screen moments and a heartfelt dedication to family and education. Her contributions to television and film, particularly in the 1980s, will be remembered by fans and colleagues alike.
