Anne Schedeen, the actress best known for playing the sharp, no-nonsense mother on the hit NBC sitcom “ALF,” has died. She was 77.
Schedeen’s family announced her death Sunday in a Facebook post, remembering the actress as a funny, forceful and deeply loved presence in their lives.
“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.”
The family added: “She was a force. And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it.”
Schedeen became a familiar face to millions as Kate Tanner, the matriarch of the suburban family hiding a wisecracking alien who crash-landed in their garage.
“ALF” ran from 1986 to 1990 and quickly became a ratings hit for NBC, blending family sitcom chaos with the antics of the furry alien puppet at the center of the show.
As Kate, Schedeen played the grounded adult in the room, often tasked with keeping the Tanner household together while trying to keep ALF hidden from the government.
The show’s success came with unusual production challenges because ALF relied heavily on hand-operated puppetry.
After NBC moved the series from its longtime Monday night slot to Saturday and later Sunday, ratings declined and the show was canceled.
Before “ALF,” Schedeen built her career through summer stock theater and television guest roles.
She landed a recurring role on the NBC medical drama “Emergency!” and appeared as the daughter of the title character on ABC’s “Marcus Welby, M.D.”
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Her film credits included the 1976 sci-fi horror movie “Embryo,” opposite Rock Hudson and Diane Ladd, and the 1983 film “Second Thoughts,” with Lucie Arnaz and Craig Wasson.
She also co-starred in the 1984 ABC soap opera “Paper Dolls” alongside Lauren Hutton and Morgan Fairchild, though the series was pulled after 14 episodes.
After “ALF” ended, Schedeen stepped back from the spotlight but continued working occasionally.
She appeared in the 1996 Alec Baldwin thriller “Heaven’s Prisoners” and later had a recurring guest role on the legal drama “Judging Amy.”
For fans of ’80s television, Schedeen will be remembered as part of one of NBC’s most recognizable sitcom families, playing the straight-faced mom opposite one of TV’s strangest breakout stars.
She is survived by her husband, Christopher Barrett; daughter Taylor Barrett; daughter-in-law Hilary Flynn; sister Sarabeth Schedeen; niece Minnie Schedeen; brother Roland Schedeen; and sister-in-law Julieann Schedeen.
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