Decades after the final spaceship departed from the Tanner’s garage, fans of the 1980s sitcom “ALF” still fondly remember the maternal warmth and comedic timing of Anne Schedeen, who played the ever-patient Kate Tanner. As the curtains closed on the show that brought families together around their television sets, many have wondered, what became of the actress who so convincingly balanced the chaos of an alien houseguest with the trials of suburban family life?
Background Info
Schedeen was born on January 8, 1949, in Portland, Oregon, USA. She grew up in Portland and attended Grant High School there. After high school, she attended Portland State University, where she studied drama and speech.
Anne Schedeen’s foray into the performing arts began as an endeavor to overcome childhood shyness, with acting lessons starting at the tender age of six. Her passion for the stage quickly blossomed, leading her to take acting seriously by her early teens, engaging in local and semi-professional theater. This dedication to her craft continued through high school and propelled her to New York, and eventually to California, under a contract with Universal Studios.
Schedeen’s early life was a journey from introversion to the spotlight, setting the stage for her future success as a beloved figure in the sitcom “ALF.”
ALF
On the TV series "ALF," Anne Schedeen played the role of Kate Tanner, the wife of Willie Tanner (played by Max Wright) and the mother of two children, Lynn (Andrea Elson) and Brian (Benji Gregory). Kate was a caring and level-headed woman who often served as the voice of reason in the Tanner household, which was frequently thrown into chaos by their alien houseguest, ALF.
Kate was a social worker and often worked from home, which allowed her to keep an eye on ALF and his antics. She was initially hesitant to let ALF stay with the family but eventually grew to care for him and even became a close friend.
Schedeen was on the TV series for its entire four-season run, from 1986 to 1990. Schedeen’s character was an integral part of the show, and her performance was well-received by audiences and critics alike. Her portrayal of Kate Tanner helped make her a household name in the 1980s and remains a memorable part of her acting career to this day.
Career After ALF
After "ALF," Anne Schedeen continued to work as an actress, though she appeared in fewer projects than during the height of her fame in the 1980s. Some of her notable appearances included guest roles on TV shows such as "Quantum Leap," "The Wonder Years," and "Murder, She Wrote." She also had a small role in the 1994 film "Ed Wood."
In addition to acting, Schedeen has pursued other interests. She has taught acting and has worked as a voice-over artist, providing voices for commercials, animation, and other projects. She has also been involved in community theater and has served on the board of the Ventura County Theatre Guild in California.
What is Anne Schedeen Doing Now?
Anne Schedeen has largely stepped away from the spotlight of acting, choosing to embrace a quieter life away from the cameras. Her fans were delighted, however, when she made a brief return to acting in 2014, with a cameo appearance on a show aptly named “Tiny Parts.”
In a turn towards philanthropy, Anne Schedeen has found a new role that harnesses her influence for a noble cause. In 2022, she became an ambassador for Holiday Heroes, a Bulgarian-based non-profit organization with a mission to provide aid to disadvantaged families.
Apart from her philanthropic endeavors, Schedeen maintains a connection with her fan base through social media. Her active Facebook presence is a bridge between her past fame and her current endeavors, allowing her to share moments of her life, engage with her supporters, and spread awareness about her charitable work.
Besides her philanthropic endeavors, Anne Schedeen also enjoys collecting antiques.