Jennifer Runyon, an actor whose screen credits included the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” and the CBS sitcom “Charles in Charge,” has died at age 65. The news was confirmed by actor Erin Murphy, who shared a tribute to Runyon on Facebook. “So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer,” Murphy wrote. “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet.”
Runyon appeared in several films and television shows during the 1980s, including supporting roles in the comedies “Up the Creek” and “Ghostbusters,” both released in 1984. She made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher movie “To All a Good Night.” Her television work included a lead role as Gwendolyn Pierce during the first season of the sitcom “Charles in Charge” in 1984.
Runyon later portrayed Cindy Brady in the 1988 television film “A Very Brady Christmas,” starred in “The In Crowd,” and appeared in the pilot of “Quantum Leap.” Other acting credits included the comedy “18 Again!” and guest appearances on television series such as “Murder, She Wrote,” “A Man Called Sarge,” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.”
Scott Baio, who starred opposite Runyon on “Charles in Charge,” also shared a tribute following her death. “I had the extreme pleasure of working with Jennifer Runyon on ‘Charles In Charge,'” Baio, 65, told followers in a joint Instagram post with former co-star Josie Davis. “She was a sweet, kind, and generous actress to work with.”
Baio reflected on Runyon’s life beyond acting: “Jennifer played my longtime girlfriend on ‘Charles In Charge,’ however, she was also a wonderful mother [to son Wyatt and daughter Bayley] and wife [to Todd Corman].” He noted that their last meeting took place in late 2019. “We last saw each other at The Hollywood Christmas Parade,” Baio added.
Born April 1, 1960, in Chicago, Illinois, to radio announcer Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts, Runyon married Todd Corman in 1991. A collegiate basketball coach who also worked in film and television production between sports seasons, the couple had two children. In her later years, Runyon stepped back from acting, stating in 2014 that she was semi-retired and working as a teacher.
