Anne Schedeen Passes Away
The American actress Anne Schedeen, best remembered for her portrayal of Kate Tanner on the sitcom 'ALF', has died at age 77. Her family announced the news via Facebook. Born on January 8, 1949, in Oregon, she was originally named Luann Ruth Schedeen. Growing up on a farm near Portland, she was already organizing small theater productions by the age of six. She trained in acting at the Portland Civic Theater and later performed in stage productions in Hawaii.
Schedeen’s path to an acting career was far from easy. After finishing her training, she moved to New York City, where she landed roles in shows like 'Paper Dolls', 'Emergency!', and 'Simon & Simon'. However, her big break came with the part of Kate Tanner on 'ALF', which aired on NBC from 1986 to 1990. Filming a single 30-minute episode could take up to 25 hours.
Remembering Anne Schedeen
Schedeen is survived by her husband Christopher Barrett, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage, their daughter Taylor Barrett, daughter-in-law Hillary Flynn, sister Sarabeth Schedeen, and brother Roland Tony Schedeen. The family has not disclosed the cause of her death. They shared their grief in a statement:
“Without her, we feel lost. We loved her so much, as did everyone who knew her. She was a true force. And imagining life without her is impossible. But she used to say: I am always with you. And she is right. The memories, the works of art, the genuine laughter, the handmade jewelry, the oil paintings, the sculptures, the costumes, and the overall joy of life remain with us.”
In July 2024, news broke that actor Benji Gregory, who played Brian Tanner as a child on 'ALF', had died. He was found deceased in his car in a parking lot in Peoria, Arizona, alongside his dog Hans.
Anne Schedeen’s passing is a significant loss for her many fans and colleagues, as she left a lasting mark on the global entertainment industry. Her role on 'ALF' has become iconic, and the series remains popular with audiences today. Such losses remind us to cherish the legacy of actors who have made major contributions to television and culture.