Anne Schedeen dies at 77: Legendary TV actress best known for playing mom on ALF passes away
Actress Anne Schedeen, best known for playing Kate Tanner on the 1980s hit ALF, died at the age of 77, according to her family.
The Portland, Oregon-born actress appeared on a total of 101 episodes on ALF during its four-season run from 1986-1990.
She was a main cast member on the sitcom opposite Andrea Elson; and late actors Max Wright, who died at 75 in 2019; and Benji Gregory, who died in 2024 at the age of 46.
A note posted on the Facebook page of the actress Sunday evening confirmed the sad news.
‘It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully,’ the obit read. ‘She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humor, delight in her family, adoration for little dogs, burning hatred for Trump, passion for second-hand thrifting, and love for a good story.
‘We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her.’
Actress Anne Schedeen, best known for playing Kate Tanner on the 1980s hit ALF, died at the age of 77, according to her family
Schedeen’s relatives described her as ‘a force’ and said that ‘it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it.’
‘But as she said, “I’m always with you.” And she’s right.’
The memorial continued: ‘The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honor … we all love you, Annie.’
Schedeen’s performance roots dated back to her childhood, as she studied drama and took the stage locally at the Portland Civic Theatre.
Following a stint in Hawaii doing dinner theater, Schedeen relocated to New York City to perform in summer stock theater.
She would subsequently move to Los Angeles, where she inked a deal with Universal Pictures.
Her first television appearance came in 1974 on the series The Six Million Dollar Man, marking her first spot in a decade in which she kept busy appearing on a number of shows.
They included stints on The Bionic Woman; Marcus Welby, M.D.; Three for the Road; McCloud, The Incredible Hulk and Emergency!
(L-R) the late Max Wright, the late Benji Gregory, Andrea Elson, and the late Anne Schedeen with ALF in 1986
The actress, seen in a 1985 publicity shot, appeared on multiple shows in the 70s and 80s
The 1980s brought a number of appearances for Schedeen on popular shows of the timeframe such as Three’s Company, Cheers, Magnum, P.I. and Simon & Simon.
Following her initial run on ALF, Schedeen appeared on shows such as Judging Amy, Tiny Nuts and the reunion show ALF on ALF.
Tom Markley, Schedeen’s agent, told Deadline in a statement Sunday, ‘Annie meant the world to her family and this agency.’
Schedeen’s relatives asked that ‘in lieu of flowers,’ donations could be made ‘to one of Annie’s favorite causes, Habitat for Humanity.’
Schedeen is survived by her spouse of 55 years Christopher Barrett, daughter Tay Barrett, daughter-in-law, Hilary Flynn, sister Sarabeth Schedeen, niece Minnie Land, brother Roland ‘Tony’ Schedeen, sister in-law Julieann Schedeen, and her beloved rescue dogs Roo and Red.
