Ghostbusters Star Jennifer Runyon's Family Life Remembered

From her famous parents to her own husband and children, a look at the late actress' close-knit family

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Actress Jennifer Runyon, known for her roles in 1980s films like Ghostbusters, passed away in March 2026 at the age of 65 after a battle with cancer. Runyon came from an entertainment family, with her father Jim Runyon being a prominent radio personality and her mother Jane Roberts also an actress. Runyon later married basketball coach Todd Corman, who has Hollywood ties of his own through his uncle, legendary independent filmmaker Roger Corman. Runyon and Corman had two children, son Wyatt and daughter Bayley, who have largely stayed out of the spotlight.

Why it matters

Runyon's passing marks the end of an era for a talented actress who found success in the 1980s, but later chose to live a more private life focused on her family. Her family's deep roots in the entertainment industry also provide an interesting look at the intergenerational connections in Hollywood.

The details

Jennifer Runyon was born in 1960 in Chicago to radio personality Jim Runyon and actress Jane Roberts. Her father Jim was a popular radio DJ and narrator, while her mother Jane also had acting credits in 1980s TV movies. Tragically, Jim Runyon passed away in 1973 at the age of 42 after battling leukemia. In 1991, Jennifer married basketball coach Todd Corman, whose uncle is legendary independent filmmaker Roger Corman. Together, Jennifer and Todd had two children - son Wyatt, born in 1993, and daughter Bayley, born in 1995. Both Wyatt and Bayley have largely avoided the spotlight.

  • Jennifer Runyon was born on April 1, 1960 in Chicago, Illinois.
  • Her father Jim Runyon passed away in March 1973 at the age of 42 after battling leukemia.
  • Jennifer married Todd Corman in March 1991.
  • Their son Wyatt was born in 1993.
  • Their daughter Bayley was born in 1995.

The players

Jennifer Runyon

A talented actress known for her roles in 1980s films like Ghostbusters, who later chose to live a more private life focused on her family.

Jim Runyon

Jennifer's father, a popular radio personality and DJ in the 1950s and 1960s.

Jane Roberts

Jennifer's mother, who also had acting credits in 1980s TV movies.

Todd Corman

Jennifer's husband, a basketball coach with Hollywood ties through his uncle, legendary independent filmmaker Roger Corman.

Roger Corman

Todd Corman's uncle, a Hollywood great in the world of independent filmmaking with credits including The Little Shop of Horrors and The Intruder.

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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, Bewitched star (Social media)

“My beautiful sister Jennifer has joined the angels in Heaven. Always dedicated to her convictions, Jenn was a wonderful mother and talented actress who especially loved the beauty in nature. Her soft voice and sweet smile will remain with me forever.”

— David Runyon, Jennifer's brother (Facebook)

The takeaway

Jennifer Runyon's life and career highlight the enduring appeal of 1980s entertainment, as well as the importance of family and living a private life away from the spotlight, even for those with deep roots in Hollywood.