American actress Luanne Ruth Schedeen, known professionally as ‘Anne Schedeen’, best known for her role in the 1980s TV series ALF, has died at the age of 77. She played ‘Kate Tanner’ in the popular sitcom.
Her family confirmed the news in a statement shared online. They paid tribute to her life and career.
The message, posted on Facebook on 14 June, also reflected her strong personal views, including her criticism of former US President Donald Trump.
Fans have since been sharing tributes to her on social media.
The statement reads:
“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of creative energy, whip-smart humour, 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.”
They described her as “a force”. They said it is hard to imagine life without her.
The family also recalled Schedeen’s usual saying, “I’m always with you.” They added, “She’s right.”
“The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewellery, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all-around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honour … we all love you, Annie,” they concluded.
Anne Schedeen was born in Portland, Oregon, in 1949. She trained at the Portland Civic Theatre. She later moved to Hawaii for dinner theatre work. She then went on to New York for stage roles. After that, she settled in California to work in television. She appeared in several TV productions over the years.
One of her most popular roles was in the sitcom ALF. She starred in the show for its full four-season run on NBC from 1986 to 1990. She appeared in 101 episodes. She played Kate Tanner. She was the mother in the family who took in the alien who landed in their garden.
