Anne Schedeen, best known as Kate Tanner on 'ALF,' dies at 77

American actress Anne Schedeen died at age 77, her family announced Monday. Schedeen, born Luann Ruth in January 1949 in Portland, Oregon, is best known for playing Kate Tanner on the sitcom "ALF." She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, and their daughter, Tai. A cause of death has not been released.

In a statement posted on her Facebook page, the family said Schedeen, whom they called Annie, "passed away peacefully." They described her as a "force of nature" who left behind "an extraordinary legacy" of creative energy, sharp humor, family joy, a love of small dogs, thrift shopping, stories, and handmade art. They added, "We are heartbroken without her," and quoted her line, "I'm always with you," saying her memories, work, laughter, jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and joie de vivre will live on. They ended with, "Raise a margarita in her honor."

Schedeen began her career in theater before moving into film and television. Her first screen appearance came in 1974 in an episode of "The Six Million Dollar Man." She later appeared in series including "McCloud," "The Bionic Woman," "Three's Company," "Murder, She Wrote," "The Trial of Amy," and films such as "Trapped by Passion," "Exo-Man," and "Cast the First Stone."

Her most recognized role was Kate Tanner, the mother in "ALF," which followed a family hiding a witty alien from Melmac in their home. The sitcom aired for four seasons from 1986 to 1990 and became one of the defining American comedies of the late 1980s, including in Israel, where it aired on Channel One and later on other channels. The article also noted the recent deaths of other "ALF" cast members, including Max Wright in 2019 and Benji Gregory in 2024.