Anne Schedeen, Star of “ALF,” Passes Away at 77

Anne Schedeen, best recognized for her role as Kate Tanner on the beloved 1980s sitcom “ALF,” has died at the age of 77, as confirmed by her family.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on Sunday via her official Facebook page, her family expressed their sadness, stating, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully.” They highlighted her impressive career, which included numerous television credits over the years.

They elaborated on her legacy, mentioning her “extraordinary creative energy,” sharp humor, love for family, fondness for small dogs, disdain for former President Trump, enthusiasm for thrift shopping, and passion for storytelling. “We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her,” they added.

Details surrounding her cause of death were not shared by her family. They reflected on her strong presence, noting, “She was a force. And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it.” They also mentioned a sentiment she had expressed previously: “I’m always with you,” indicating that her spirit and creative legacy would endure through memories and her art.

The family requested that fans support Habitat for Humanity instead of sending flowers, which seems fitting for someone who cherished community and togetherness.

Schedeen’s career began in 1974 with a role in “The Six Million Dollar Man,” and she appeared in numerous other popular series, including “McCloud,” “The Bionic Woman,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “Three’s Company,” “Cheers,” “Magnum PI,” “Judging Amy,” and “Murder, She Wrote.”

However, she will likely be most remembered for her role on “ALF,” where she was the matriarch who took in an alien stranded on Earth, serving as a mother figure throughout the show’s run from 1986 to 1990.

In addition to her television work, Schedeen acted in several films, including “Embryo,” “Exo-Man,” “Flight to Holocaust,” “Slow Burn,” and “Champions: A Love Story.”

Her family also shared that she is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett; their daughter, Taylor; daughter-in-law, Hilary Flynn; sister, Sarabeth Schedeen; niece, Minnie Schedeen; brother, Roland “Tony” Schedeen; sister-in-law, Julieann Schedeen; and her beloved rescue dogs, Roo and Red.