R.I.P. Jennifer Runyon: ‘Ghostbusters’ Actress Dead At 65 After “Brief” Battle With Cancer
Where to Stream:
Ghostbusters (1984)
Powered by Reelgood
Actress Jennifer Runyon, best known for her appearances in Ghostbusters and A Very Brady Christmas, has passed away. She was 65.
Runyon’s family announced her passing on social media, per TMZ. “This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family,” the family said in a statement. “She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends. I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile.”
Bewitched star Erin Murphy revealed Runyon 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,” Murphy wrote on social media.
The Chicago-born actress began acting in 1980, soon landing a regular role in the series Another World.
She soon appeared in what would become some of her best-known roles in titles such as Up the Creek and Ghostbusters in 1984. Runyon appeared opposite Bill Murray in the 1984 classic, playing a female student.
Photo: Bobby Bank/Everett Collection
She later appeared in several television series, including Booker, Murder, She Wrote, Beverly Hills, 90210 and more, before her career eventually slowed down after the ’90s. Her final credited roles include the 2020 film Gunfight at Silver Lake and the 2025 horror Spectral Squad: The Haunting of Sophie Lawson.
Runyon’s daughter, actress Bayley Corman, also shared a tribute to her mother on social media.
“All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together,” she wrote, adding in a comment that Runyon was “the kindest most compassionate person i’ve ever known. My best friend. I wasn’t ready for this.”
Runyon is survived by her daughter and her son, Wyatt, who she shares with Todd Corman.
