The Actress Behind One of the Most Beloved Moms of the ’80s Has Died

Actress Anne Schedeen, beloved by many for her time playing Kate Tanner on the ’80s television series ALF, has died at 77.

On June 14, Schedeen’s family announced the news in a post on her Facebook page. “It is with the heaviest of hearts we share Annie has passed peacefully,” the family wrote.

“She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip smart humor, delight in her family, adoration for little dogs…and love for a good story,” the family added. They also noted she was quite passionate in her opinions about current political issues.

The family wrote, “She was a force. And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it.” They added, however, that Schedeen had frequently told them she was always with them, and they feel that’s true. “Raise a margarita in her honor,” the tribute added.

Schedeen held nearly 50 different roles over the course of her career, although ALF is the one fans tend to remember her for most.

She began her acting career with an episode of The Six Million Dollar Man in 1974 and starred in numerous television movies, including Never Say Never.

After ALF, which ran for 101 episodes between 1980 and 2004, Schedeen mostly stepped back from acting.

She leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Christopher Barrett, as well as “her beloved rescue dogs Roo and Red,” her daughter, daughter-in-law, and several other treasured family members.

One comment on the post came from someone who knew Schedeen and was “struck dumb by her talent.” The person worked with Schedeen and went to college with her and noted she “never lost my full out fan girl love of everything she did.”

A fan commented that while they never met Schedeen, they reached out once during ALF to let her know how much her work meant to his family “during a very sad few years.” Schedeen, the fan added, “replied with empathy and sweetness.”

Another fan noted that as ALF aired, they were living in a home with a lot of violence. “Alf’s family was like my own family, I would put myself inside the television to be fine for that half an hour,” they explained.

That fan added, “KATE WAS THE MOM WE ALL WISHED TO HAVE.”

While Schedeen’s time playing Kate on ALF ended over two decades ago, her impact on fans has remained strong. Those who loved her adored not only her talent but also her giving and loving nature, and made it clear that her death is a deep loss.