Anne Schedeen Dies: 'ALF' Actress Was 77 Anne Schedeen, the actress who portrayed matriarch Kate Tanner in NBC’s sitcom ALF (1986–1990), has died at the age of 77. Her family confirmed her passing on Sunday, stating she “passed peacefully” with a heartfelt tribute shared on her Facebook page. The cause of death was not disclosed. The family’s message highlighted Schedeen’s enduring legacy, describing her as a “force” whose creative energy, wit, and love for family, dogs, and storytelling left an indelible mark. They expressed profound grief, noting her absence would be “unimaginable,” yet emphasized her presence would remain through cherished memories, artwork, and the joy she brought to those around her. The family requested donations to Habitat for Humanity, one of her favorite causes, in lieu of flowers. Schedeen’s longtime agent, Tom Markley, also confirmed her death, underscoring her significance to both her family and the industry. Born Luanne Ruth Schedeen on January 8, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, she began her acting journey in childhood, performing at Portland Civic Theatre. After studying dinner theater in Hawaii, she moved to New York City to pursue acting, eventually relocating to Los Angeles and signing with Universal Pictures. Her television career spanned decades, with notable roles in The Six Million Dollar Man (1974), McCloud, The Bionic Woman, Emergency!, The Incredible Hulk, Three’s Company, Cheers, Magnum P.I., Murder She Wrote, and Judging Amy. She also appeared in films such as Embryo (1976), Flight to Holocaust (1977), Exo-Man (1977), Champions: A Love Story (1979), Second Thoughts (1983), Slow Burn (1986), and Cast the First Stone (1989). Schedeen’s most iconic role, however, was as Kate Tanner, the pragmatic mother who welcomed the alien alien ALF into her home.#portland_oregon #anne_schedeen #alf #tom_markley #habitat_for_humanity
Anne Schedeen Dead: Actress Who Played the Mom on 'ALF' Dies Anne Schedeen, the actress best known for her role as matriarch Kate Tanner on the 1980s sitcom ALF, has died at the age of 77. Her passing was announced by her official Facebook page, which stated, “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully.” The post highlighted her enduring legacy as a creative force and humorist, while also acknowledging her passions for secondhand thrifting, her love for dogs, and her outspoken disdain for former President Donald Trump. The family expressed their grief, stating, “We are bereft without her. We loved her so so much, as did all who met her.” Her agent, Tom Markley of Metropolitan Talent Agency, confirmed the news, calling her “a true artist and friend. One of a kind.” He added, “I’ll miss her,” underscoring her impact on the industry and personal connections. The cause of her death was not disclosed. Schedeen, born Luanne Ruth Schedeen on January 8, 1949, grew up on a farm near Portland, Oregon. She began acting at age 6, using household items like teapots and flowers as props, and later pursued formal training at the Portland Civic Theater. Her early career included local theater in Hawaii and studies at Portland State University and Fort Wright College in Spokane, Washington. After relocating to New York, she faced challenges in breaking into the industry, working as a model and selling clothing before securing a contract with Universal Pictures. She recalled her early days with humor: “I thought I’d come out here, take fencing lessons, drive a small Thunderbird and sit by the swimming pool. Instead, I was the daughter on Marcus Welby, M.D.#anne_schedeen #alf #tom_markley #habitat_for_humanity #christopher_barrett
