The acting world is mourning the loss of Jennifer Runyon, the versatile 1980s star best known for her roles in Ghostbusters and A Very Brady Christmas, who has died at the age of 65, per parade.com.
Her family confirmed the news on Sunday, revealing that the actress passed away on Friday evening following a long illness. In a moving statement shared via her official Facebook page, her loved ones described her final moments as peaceful and surrounded by family.
“She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends,” the statement read. “I know from above she’s looking down on all of us with her beautiful smile.”
Runyon established herself as a familiar face throughout the 1980s. Her career took off with the 1980 slasher To All a Goodnight, followed by a memorable turn in the 1984 cult comedy Up the Creek.
However, it was her role as the “blonde co-ed” subject of Bill Murray’s telepathy test in the original Ghostbusters (1984) that secured her place in cinematic history. She later transitioned to television, starring as Gwendolyn Pierce in the sitcom Charles in Charge and taking over the iconic role of Cindy Brady in the 1988 television film A Very Brady Christmas.
Colleagues and friends have been quick to pay tribute to Runyon’s warmth and character. Bewitched star Erin Murphy shared a heartfelt message on social media alongside a vintage photograph of the pair.
“So sad to share that my friend Jennifer Runyon Corman has passed away after a brief battle with cancer,” Murphy wrote. “Some people you just know you’ll be friends with before you even meet. She was a special lady. I’ll miss you, Jenn.”
Runyon is survived by her husband and her children.
•Featured image: Jennifer Runyon/NBC/Getty
