Actress Jennifer Runyon, known for 'Ghostbusters' and 'A Very Brady Christmas', dies at 65

Runyon passed away after a brief battle with cancer, according to her friend and fellow actress Erin Murphy.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Jennifer Runyon, an actress best known for her roles in the films Ghostbusters and A Very Brady Christmas, has died at the age of 65 after a brief battle with cancer. Runyon's friend and fellow actress Erin Murphy shared the news on Instagram, expressing sadness over the loss of her friend.

Why it matters

Runyon was a prolific actress who appeared in numerous TV shows and films over the course of her career, including iconic projects like Ghostbusters and the Brady Bunch TV movie. Her passing is a loss for the entertainment industry and her many fans.

The details

Runyon first began appearing on TV and in film in 1980, logging credits in series like The Fall Guy, Boone and The Master, as well as booking a recurring role in the long-running NBC soap Another World. In 1984, she appeared opposite Tim Matheson in the comedy Up the Creek and also featured in the supernatural comedy Ghostbusters. In the years following, she also appeared in shows like Magnum, P.I.; Quantum Leap; Murder, She Wrote and Beverly Hills, 90210. Runyon also took over Susan Olsen's role as the youngest Brady child, Cindy, in the 1988 made-for-TV movie A Very Brady Christmas.

  • Runyon first began appearing on TV and in film in 1980.
  • In 1984, she appeared in Ghostbusters and Up the Creek.
  • In 1988, she took over the role of Cindy Brady in A Very Brady Christmas.

The players

Jennifer Runyon

An actress best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and A Very Brady Christmas. She passed away at the age of 65 after a brief battle with cancer.

Erin Murphy

A fellow actress and friend of Jennifer Runyon, known for her role in Bewitched.

Todd Corman

Jennifer Runyon's husband, a basketball coach, assistant director and nephew to actor Roger Corman.

Bayley Corman

Jennifer Runyon's daughter, also an actress who has appeared in shows like 9-1-1, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Jane the Virgin.

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What they’re saying

“So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has 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.”

— Erin Murphy, Actress (Instagram)

“all of the best parts of me came from you. i would give anything for one more day together.”

— Bayley Corman (Instagram)

The takeaway

Jennifer Runyon's passing is a loss for the entertainment industry, as she was a talented actress who left her mark on iconic projects like Ghostbusters and A Very Brady Christmas. Her friends and family have shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting the impact she had on those around her.