Actress Jennifer Runyon, known for her roles in Ghostbusters and the sitcom Charles in Charge, has died at the age of 65. Her family confirmed that she passed away on March 6 while surrounded by loved ones after a brief battle with cancer.

Runyon gained recognition during the 1980s through several film and television appearances. One of her memorable roles came in the 1988 TV movie A Very Brady Christmas, where she portrayed Cindy Brady. She stepped into the role originally played by Susan Olsen in the classic sitcom The Brady Bunch.

Stepping Into the Brady Family

Runyon’s casting in A Very Brady Christmas surprised some fans because nearly all of the original Brady Bunch cast returned for the reunion film, including Florence Henderson and Robert Reed. However, Olsen was unable to appear because she was on her honeymoon during filming, opening the door for Runyon to take on the role of the youngest Brady sibling.

Runyon later recalled that joining the famous TV family was an enjoyable experience. She explained that meeting with the producers and being chosen for the part felt exciting, noting that many actors would welcome the chance to be part of the Brady universe.

Olsen later spoke positively about Runyon’s performance, even jokingly referring to her as “Christmas Cindy.”

A Career Across Film and Television

Born in Chicago in 1960, Runyon began acting in the late 1970s and made her film debut in the 1980 horror movie To All a Good Night. She went on to appear in several well-known projects, including the comedy Up the Creek and the blockbuster Ghostbusters, where she appeared in a memorable classroom scene with Bill Murray.

On television, she played Gwendolyn Pierce in the first season of Charles in Charge and made guest appearances on popular series such as Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, and Beverly Hills, 90210.

Life Beyond Hollywood

In later years, Runyon stepped away from acting to focus on her family. She married basketball coach Todd Corman in 1991, and the couple had two children, Wyatt and Bayley. Runyon also worked as a teacher after becoming semi-retired from Hollywood.

Following news of her death, friends and former colleagues shared tributes remembering her kindness and warm personality. Actress Erin Murphy described Runyon as a “special lady,” while her Charles in Charge co-star Willie Aames called her a close friend who brought joy and laughter to those around her.

Runyon is survived by her husband and two children. Her legacy remains tied to the beloved television and film projects that helped define pop culture in the 1980s.

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