The world of 1980s television and film is mourning the loss of Jennifer Runyon, the beloved actress known for her roles in “Ghostbusters” and the sitcom “Charles in Charge.” Runyon passed away on March 6, 2026, at the age of 65, with her family by her side after a private battle with health issues.

Although her family has not publicly disclosed the specific cause of death, close friends and subsequent reports have confirmed that she had been contending with lymphoma during the final six months of her life. Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from both colleagues and fans who fondly remember her as a devoted mother, wife, and friend.

Details of Jennifer Runyon’s Stage 4 Lymphoma Diagnosis

Various news outlets have reported that Jennifer Runyon was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma about six months prior to her death. In a statement, her family described her last months as a “long and arduous journey,” choosing to keep the intricate details of her condition private.

Erin Murphy, a close friend and actress known from Bewitched, was the first to publicly confirm Runyon’s cancer struggle, stating on Facebook that she passed after a “brief battle with cancer.” The diagnosis was reportedly aggressive, which resulted in a rapid deterioration of her health despite the support from her medical team and family.

Summary of Her Brief Cancer Battle

Though Runyon largely kept her health struggles away from the public eye, the timeline provided by her family and friends suggests a rapid progression of the illness. Her lymphoma diagnosis came around six months ago, indicating that her treatment began in the fall of 2025.

Unlike some celebrities whose health battles are widely publicized, Runyon’s fight was discreet and relatively short. She spent her final days at home, surrounded by her husband Todd Corman and their two children, Wyatt and Bayley, passing away peacefully on the evening of March 6.

Family Statements Regarding Her Passing

The most heartfelt announcement of her passing appeared on Runyon’s official Facebook page, where the family shared, “This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away; it was a long and arduous journey that concluded with her surrounded by her family.” They paid tribute to her lively spirit, stating, “She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends.”

Her daughter, actress Bayley Corman, penned a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating, “All of the best parts of me came from you. I would give anything for one more day together,” which spoke to the profound personal loss they felt.

Tributes from Her Friends and Industry Colleagues

In addition to her immediate family, the entertainment industry has come together to pay tribute to her memory. Erin Murphy’s homage encapsulated the feelings of many, reminiscing, “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady.” Fans also filled social media with reminiscences of her memorable scenes.

One fan shared, “There goes my childhood,” while another reflected on her brief yet impactful role in Ghostbusters, saying, “Rest in peace, Jennifer Runyon; you will be missed. You were fantastic in Ghostbusters and 18 Again.” The official Ghostbusters social media accounts also acknowledged her passing, highlighting her role as the “Female Student” in Dr. Venkman’s ESP test scene.

Her Enduring Legacy in Film and Television

Jennifer Runyon’s career, although she semi-retired from acting in 2014 to concentrate on teaching, left a lasting imprint on 1980s pop culture. She made her screen debut in the 1980 slasher film To All a Goodnight before securing a role in the soap opera Another World.

Nevertheless, it was her dual breakout in 1984 that established her legacy: first as the college student alongside Bill Murray in Ghostbusters, and then as Gwendolyn Pierce in the inaugural season of Charles in Charge. She subsequently appeared in A Very Brady Christmas, Quantum Leap, and Murder, She Wrote, demonstrating her versatility as a character actress.