Star of The Master Dies
PUBLISHED 15 MAR 2026
Remembering Jennifer Runyon (1960–2026)
Martial arts television lost a familiar face with the passing of actress Jennifer Runyon, who died on Friday, March 6, at the age of 65.
Runyon is fondly remembered by martial arts fans for her appearance in the cult ninja television series The Master, a short-lived but influential show that helped introduce ninjutsu themes to Western audiences during the early 1980s.
According to a representative who spoke to Us Weekly, Runyon “passed away after a six-month battle with cancer,” adding that “she felt loved and blessed by her family and friends. She was beloved by countless people and will be missed.”
IMAGE: By Rob DiCaterino - This image has been extracted from another file, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=69325126
A memorable appearance in The Master
Broadcast on NBC from January to August 1984, The Master followed the adventures of aging ninja mentor John Peter McAllister, played by Lee Van Cleef, and his student Max Keller, portrayed by Timothy Van Patten. Created by Michael Sloan, the series centred on the unlikely duo travelling across America in a customised van, helping people in trouble while confronting criminal threats along the way.
Runyon appeared in the episode “Hostages,” in which McAllister is accused by a secret agent of assisting a terrorist group. In order to prove his innocence, the ninja master must help rescue a group of captives. Runyon played the daughter of a senator who is taken hostage before being saved by McAllister and his apprentice.
The episode also featured several notable guest stars, including George Lazenby, Monte Markham, and David McCallum. For many viewers of the era, these appearances helped cement the series’ reputation as a unique blend of martial arts adventure and 1980s television drama.
Although The Master only lasted a single season, it remains a favourite among ninjutsu enthusiasts and collectors of classic martial arts television.
Tributes from family and friends
Runyon’s family shared a heartfelt message following her passing. In a Facebook post they wrote:
“This past Friday night, our beloved Jennifer passed away. It was a long and arduous journey that ended with her surrounded by her family. She will always be remembered for her love of life and her devotion to her family and friends.”
Her close friend Erin Murphy also confirmed the news in a Facebook tribute, writing:
“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.”
A career in film and television
Beyond her connection to The Master, Runyon enjoyed a varied career in film and television during the 1980s. She made her feature film debut in the 1980 slasher movie To All a Goodnight and later appeared in supporting roles in the comedy Up the Creek and the blockbuster supernatural comedy Ghostbusters.
While her role in the ninja series was only a single episode, it remains a memorable part of a show that holds a special place in martial arts television history.
A link to a classic era
For many fans of ninjutsu-inspired media, The Master represents an important moment in the popularisation of ninja culture in the West. The series’ lead actor, Lee Van Cleef, who portrayed the stoic ninja master McAllister, passed away in 1989, making the cast’s contributions part of a bygone era of martial arts television.
Jennifer Runyon’s appearance in the series remains a small but meaningful part of that legacy. As fans revisit classic episodes and remember the golden age of ninja entertainment, her role in The Master continues to connect her with a generation of viewers who discovered the mystique of the ninja on television.
She is remembered not only for her work on screen, but for the warmth and kindness described by those who knew her best.
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