ALF’s TV Mom Anne Schedeen Passes Away at 77

Anne Schedeen, best known for her role as the family head Kate Tanner on NBC’s ALF from 1986 to 1990, has passed away at the age of 77.

Schedeen’s death was confirmed by her family in a poignant Facebook post on Sunday, stating she died peacefully, although her cause of death was not disclosed at the time.

“With profound sadness, we announce that Annie has left us peacefully,” the family’s statement read. “Annie leaves behind a remarkable legacy filled with vibrant creativity, sharp wit, deep love for her family, affection for small dogs, fervent dislike of Trump, enthusiasm for thrift shopping, and a fondness for engaging tales. Her absence is deeply felt by us and by everyone who knew her.”

The tribute further described her as a dynamic presence, adding, “Imagining a world without her is overwhelming, but as she always said, ‘I’m always with you.’ And she is right. Her memories, her laughter, the jewelry and paintings she created, her sculptures, costumes, and her zest for life will live on. Toast to her memory with a margarita.”

Instead of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, a cause dear to Annie. “We all love you, Annie,” they concluded.

Tom Markley, Schedeen’s long-standing agent, also confirmed her passing to Deadline, noting, “Annie was immensely important to her family and to our agency.”

Born on January 8, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, Luanne Ruth Schedeen pursued drama from her childhood, training at Portland Civic Theatre. She later performed in dinner theater in Hawaii before moving to New York City to advance her acting career, which began in summer stock theater. She eventually relocated to Los Angeles and signed with Universal Pictures.

Schedeen first appeared on screen in a 1974 episode of The Six Million Dollar Man, and went on to feature in McCloud, The Bionic Woman, Emergency!, The Incredible Hulk, Three’s Company, Cheers, Magnum PI, Murder She Wrote, and Judging Amy, along with films such as Embryo (1976), Flight to Holocaust (1977), Exo-Man (1977), Champions: A Love Story (1979), Second Thoughts (1983), Slow Burn (1986), and Cast the First Stone (1989).

She was most celebrated for her portrayal of Kate Tanner, the mother who adopts the titular extraterrestrial in the hit NBC sitcom ALF, which aired for four seasons from 1986 to 1990.

Schedeen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, daughter Taylor Barrett, daughter-in-law Hilary Flynn, sister Sarabeth Schedeen, niece Minnie Schedeen, brother Roland ‘Tony’ Schedeen, sister-in-law Julieanne Schedeen, and her rescue dogs Roo and Red.