gone to soon

Ghostbusters star Jennifer Runyon dies aged 65 after cancer battle

RIP
PUBLISHED 9 Mar 2026 13:15 GMT UPDATED 9 Mar 2026 13:15 GMT

JENNIFER Runyon, the actress best known for her role in the 1984 blockbuster Ghostbusters, has died aged 65 after a battle with cancer.

Her family announced the news on social media.

Runyon’s loved ones said she passed away surrounded by family following her illness.

Runyon’s connection to one of the most enduring comedies of the 1980s made her a familiar face to movie fans even decades after the film’s release. While she was not the headline star of Ghostbusters, her contribution helped cement the film’s status as an unmistakable pop-culture moment.

Details about memorial plans or a public service have not been released. The family’s social posts were concise and asked for privacy as they grieve.

Tributes from colleagues, friends and fans were not included in the family statement and, as of publication, no official tributes from cast members have been announced.

Runyon’s passing is a reminder of how many talented performers of that era remain beloved for roles that helped shape modern comedy and special-effects filmmaking. Ghostbusters continues to be referenced across generations, and figures associated with it often find their work rediscovered by new audiences.

This loss will be felt by those close to her and by the wider film community that remembers the 1984 phenomenon. The quick family announcement and request for privacy underline a desire for a quiet goodbye after a private fight with illness.

We will update this piece as further information becomes available about tributes or funeral arrangements. For now, messages of sympathy and recollections of Runyon’s work are pouring in where fans are remembering that distinct slice of 1980s cinema she helped create.

Our thoughts are with Jennifer Runyon’s family and friends at this difficult time.

GOT A STORY?
If you've got a news tip, email [email protected] — whether it's a big scoop, or you've just snapped a cheeky pic of Lulu in the supermarket — we want to hear it.

CSE TOP 10

Latest articles

FERGOODNESS SAKE
Sarah Ferguson Faces Fresh Royal Scrutiny Over Jeffrey Epstein Claims
In the latest round of controversy, royal commentator Richard Fitzwilliams alleged that Ferguson let down Queen Elizabeth II, who was said to have had a longstanding soft spot for the former Duchess of York despite years of public scandals.
LORRAINE IN PAIN
Lorraine Kelly Shares Health Update and Confirms Seven-Week TV Break
IN AN emotional Instagram video, the beloved presenter thanked viewers for their support and kind messages. Speaking in a croaky voice, Lorraine said she had been dealing with a tough illness but was recovering well, according to Daily Mail.
opening up
Conan O’Brien Speaks Out After Holiday Party Was Linked to Rob and Michele Reiner Tragedy
COMEDIAN Conan said he and his wife faced some difficulties after their names became tied to the deaths of Rob Reiner and Michele Singer Reiner, but emphasised that his feelings are centred on grief for the family.
houses of holland
Tom Holland’s Reported £9.2M Empire Shows Spider-Man Star Expanding Beyond Hollywood
NEWLY highlighted company filings reveal the Spider-Man star is linked to a combined £9.2 million in property and cash assets through several business entities.
NOT SO SWIFT
Travis Kelce Reportedly Set for Chiefs Return in 2026
THE Kansas City Chiefs star tight end is expected to return for the 2026 NFL season, giving fans another year of one of football’s biggest names.
AS... NEVER
Meghan Markle Clears the Air on As Ever Expansion Buzz After Netflix Split
AFTER reports suggested the Duchess of Sussex was preparing to expand the brand internationally following the end of its Netflix partnership, a spokesperson said no official decisions have been made.
LUXURY LET-DOWN
Hermès Reportedly Turned Down North West’s Rare Kelly Bag Request
ACCORDING to journalist Amy Odell’s "Back Row" newsletter, Kim Kardashian and Kanye West once tried to buy a black Mini Kelly bag for their daughter at the Beverly Hills Hermès boutique and were allegedly denied.
STAR STUDDED LINE-UP
ITV Confirms ‘I’m A Celebrity’ All Stars Series 2 Cast for South Africa Return
THE new season will feature eight celebrities in the opening lineup, while four more will arrive later as surprise latecomers.
GONE TOO SOON
Grime star Dot Rotten dies aged 37 as music world pays tribute
HE was a key name in grime from a young age, starting to rap and make music when he was just seven.
grande gesture
Ariana Grande and Ethan Slater Hit a Rough Patch — But the Romance Didn’t Flatline
A SOURCE close to Grande’s family says the pair went through a difficult spell and there was real uncertainty over whether they would keep going as a couple.