Anne Schedeen, ‘ALF’ star, dies at 77

Anne Schedeen, the American actress best known for her role as Kate Tanner in the NBC sitcom ALF, has died at the age of 77.

Deadline reported that her family confirmed she died peacefully, sharing a tribute that highlighted her creative life, humour and personal passions. A cause of death was not disclosed.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully,” the family wrote. They described her as someone with “extraordinary legacy of creative energy” and a sharp sense of humour.

They added that she had “whip smart humor” and a deep love for her family, animals and storytelling, saying, “We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much.”

Anne Schedeen’s Career in Television and Film

Schedeen built a long television career spanning more than two decades, appearing in series including The Six Million Dollar Man, McCloud, The Bionic Woman, Emergency!, The Incredible Hulk, Three’s Company, Cheers, Magnum, P.I., Murder, She Wrote and Judging Amy.

She also appeared in films such as Embryo (1976), Exo-Man (1977) and Slow Burn (1986), alongside a range of television movies and guest roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Her most recognisable role came in 1986, when she was cast as Kate Tanner in ALF, the NBC sitcom about a sarcastic alien who lives with a suburban family. The series ran for four seasons until 1990 and became a popular fixture of late-1980s American television.

Family Pays Tribute to ‘ALF’ Actress

Schedeen’s family said she was deeply devoted to her personal life, noting her love of second-hand shopping, art and animals. They asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Habitat for Humanity, one of her preferred charities.

“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy,” the family said, adding that her work and personal creations would continue to live on through those who knew her.

Her agent also confirmed her death, saying she “meant the world to her family and this agency.”

Born Luanne Ruth Schedeen in Portland, Oregon, she began performing in theatre at a young age before moving into television work in the 1970s. She later relocated to Los Angeles, where she signed with Universal Pictures and began building her screen career.

Schedeen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, her daughter, extended family members and her rescue dogs.