Anne Schedeen, actress who played mom on 'ALF,' dies at 77

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FOX Local

Updated June 15, 2026 12:54 PM EDT

Published June 15, 2026 12:39 PM EDT

Anne Schedeen promotional photo for the ABC tv series "Braker."(Credit: Bob D'Amico /American Broadcasting) Companies via Getty Images)

The Brief

    • Anne Schedeen, best known for playing Kate Tanner on the TV sitcom ALF, has died at the age of 77, according to a family announcement on Facebook.
    • Her family said she "passed peacefully" and remembered her for her humor, creativity and love of family.
    • No cause of death was disclosed.

Anne Schedeen, the actress who starred as matriarch Kate Tanner on the television comedy "ALF," has died. She was 77.

The family confirmed the news of her death in an announcement on Facebook, stating that she "passed peacefully."

Anne Schedeen dies at 77

What they're saying:

"It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully," the family wrote in the post. "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." 

They continued, "She was a force. And 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 memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honor." 

A cause of death was not immediately known.

Anne Schedeen's legacy

Anne Schedeen was born on January 8, 1949, in Portland, Oregon. 

The actress was most know for her role as Kate Tanner in the NBC sitcom "ALF," which ran for four seasons from 1986 to 1990.

She also appeared in episodes of "Simon & Simon," "McCloud," "The Bionic Woman," "Emergency!," "The Incredible Hulk," "Three’s Company," "Cheers," "Magnum PI," "Murder She Wrote" and "Judging Amy."

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She also acted in movies like "Embryo," "Flight to Holocaust," "Exo-Man," "Champions: A Love Story," "Second Thoughts," "Slow Burn" and "Cast the First Stone."

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, her daughter Taylor, her 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.

In lieu of flowers, the family is welcoming donations to one of her favorite causes, Habitat for Humanity.

The Source: The information for this story was provided by Anne Schedeen's Facebook account, IMDB and Deadline. This story was reported from Los Angeles.

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