Actor Jennifer Runyon has passed away – Do you remember her from Ghostbusters?

She was the woman whose eyes widened in terror as a green, slimy creature swept her away on a New York rooftop. Now, news of her passing has stopped a generation in its tracks. Actor Jennifer Runyon has died at the age of 65. She made an unforgettable impression in the 1984 film Ghostbusters, where she played the young woman who becomes the earthly vessel for an ancient entity.

When Ghostbusters hit cinemas, no one could have predicted it would become a phenomenon still quoted today. Jennifer Runyon wasn't the film's headline star – that honour naturally went to Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd – but her role was just as crucial to the plot as a proton pack. Without her character, there would have been no Zuul, and without Zuul, there would have been no movie.

Her career was made on the small screen

Before her big-screen debut, Jennifer Runyon had already gained considerable experience in the world of soap operas. From 1981 to 1983, she played two different characters in the popular series Another World, which captivated viewers day after day. Later in the 80s, she made multiple guest appearances on the sitcom Charles in Charge, showcasing her ability to handle lighter material as well.

After Ghostbusters, her career continued, but the spotlight never shone quite as brightly on her again. An exception was the 1987 film My Demon Lover, in which she actually landed the lead role. It's a little cult classic that has, over the years, found its way into the hearts of many VHS enthusiasts.

What lingers when the lights go out?

Looking back now, it's clear that Jennifer Runyon represented an era when actors could simply be actors. No social media personas, no brand ambassadorships, no constant crisis management. She did her job, stepped out of the limelight, and lived her life away from the public eye. Details of her later years have been scarce, which makes this news feel particularly distant and poignant.

• Jennifer Runyon was born on 1 April 1960.
• Her breakthrough role was in Ghostbusters (1984).
• On television, she was seen in Another World and Charles in Charge.
• She passed away in March 2026 at the age of 65.

The comforting thing in all of this is that the film remains. As long as someone, somewhere, hits play and watches the scene where Dana Barrett's neighbour starts acting strangely, Jennifer Runyon is still there, young and forever preserved, ready to remind us that sometimes the world's biggest hits also contain those roles that aren't front and centre but are absolutely essential to making it all work. Rest in peace.