Ghostbusters Actress Jennifer Runyon Dies at Age 65
Jennifer Runyon, the actress best known for her memorable roles in the classic 1984 film Ghostbusters and the first season of the sitcom Charles in Charge, has passed away at the age of 65. Her family shared the heartbreaking announcement over the weekend, revealing that she died on Friday night surrounded by loved ones.
Family's Emotional Tribute on Social Media
In a poignant post on Facebook, Runyon's family wrote: "This past Friday night our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family. She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to family and friends. I know from above she's looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile. Rest in peace our Jenn." The cause of her death has not been disclosed at this time.
A Diverse and Prolific Acting Career
Jennifer Runyon began her screen career with a lead role as Nancy in the 1980 horror film To All a Goodnight. She quickly moved on to portray Sally Frame in the American soap opera Another World until 1982. Her breakthrough came with Ghostbusters, where she appeared in the opening scene as a student involved in an ESP experiment, sharing the screen with stars like Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Sigourney Weaver.
Around the same period, she joined the cast of Charles in Charge, acting alongside Scott Baio and Nicole Eggert during its initial run. Runyon's television credits are extensive and varied, including:
- Playing Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas
- Appearing with a young Natasha Lyonne in the 1990 film A Man Called Sarge
- Guest roles in Murder, She Wrote with Angela Lansbury
- Parts in iconic series like Magnum PI and Beverly Hills, 90210
Later Work and Final Appearances
Runyon's final acting role was in the 2017 comedy horror Bloodsucka Jones vs. The Creeping Death, where she played Nurse Zarkov. Her last on-screen appearance was in the 2019 documentary Cleanin' Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, reflecting on her time in one of her most famous projects. Throughout her career, she demonstrated versatility across genres, from horror and comedy to drama and television classics.
The entertainment community and fans are mourning the loss of this talented actress, whose contributions to film and television have left a lasting impact. Her family's tribute highlights her joyful spirit and deep commitment to those she loved, ensuring she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her work and character.
