Anne Schedeen, the legendary American actress best known for her role as Kate Tanner in the hit 1980s sitcom ALF, has died at the age of 77. Her family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement posted on her Facebook page on the evening of June 14, 2026.
Family Statement Celebrates Her Life
The statement read: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humour, 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."
Her family described her as "a force" and said it was "unimaginable to think about life without her." They included a phrase Schedeen often used: "I'm always with you," adding that "she's right." The statement concluded: "The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewellery, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honour ... we all love you, Annie."
Career Highlights
Born in Portland, Oregon in 1949, Schedeen studied at the Portland Civic Theatre before moving to Hawaii for dinner theatre and then to New York for stage work. She later relocated to California for television roles.
She is best remembered for her role in ALF, which aired on NBC from 1986 to 1990. She appeared in all 101 episodes as Kate Tanner, the mother who takes in the alien ALF. She is the third main cast member to die, following Max Wright (Willie Tanner) in 2019 and Benji Gregory (Brian Tanner) in 2024.
Schedeen also guest-starred in numerous TV shows, including The Bionic Woman, Marcus Welby MD, Three for the Road, McCloud, The Incredible Hulk, and The Six Million Dollar Man. She appeared in made-for-TV films such as a Magnum PI film.
Tributes and Survivors
Her agent, Tom Markley, told Deadline: "Annie meant the world to her family and this agency." The family requested donations to Habitat for Humanity in lieu of flowers.
Schedeen is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett; their daughter Tay; her sister Sarabeth Schedeen; niece Minnie Land; brother Tony Schedeen; and her rescue dogs Roo and Red.
