Remembering Anne Schedeen: The Heart of ALF's Family Passes Away at 77

A Fond Farewell to Anne Schedeen

Anne Schedeen, renowned for her role as Kate Tanner on the beloved sitcom ALF from the late 1980s, has sadly passed away at the age of 77. The news was shared on her official Facebook page, which expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully.” The tribute celebrated her legacy, highlighting her quick wit, love for family, passion for thrift shopping, and her fondness for dogs, alongside her strong political beliefs. The heartfelt message concluded with a touching call for fans to “raise a margarita in her honor.”

While the specific cause of her passing remains undisclosed, her family conveyed their immense grief and fond memories of her vibrant spirit. She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, their daughter Tay Barrett, daughter-in-law Hilary Flynn, sister Sarabeth Schedeen, niece Minnie Schedeen, brother Roland "Tony" Schedeen, and sister-in-law Julieann Schedeen. The family’s heartfelt tribute underscored the profound impact she had on everyone around her, stating, “We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her.”

Born Luanne Ruth Schedeen on January 8, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, she embarked on her acting journey in the early 1970s, adopting the name Annie Schedeen. Her career took off with a contract from Universal Pictures, leading to numerous guest roles on popular television shows of the era. Schedeen quickly became a recognizable face on American television, earning acclaim for her performances in series like "Emergency!", "Three's Company," "Cheers," "Magnum, P.I.," and "The Incredible Hulk."

The pinnacle of her career arrived in 1986 when she was cast as Kate Tanner in ALF, a role that brought her international recognition. Over the course of four seasons and 99 episodes, she endeared herself to audiences as the sensible matriarch of a family that welcomed an unconventional extraterrestrial into their lives. After the show concluded in 1990, Schedeen's appearances in the entertainment industry became less frequent, and she eventually retired from acting to focus on interior design and charitable work.