7 Shocking Secrets And Surprising Facts About Anne Schedeen Today (The ALF Mom)

Anne Schedeen, the beloved actress best known as the perpetually exasperated but loving matriarch Kate Tanner on the iconic 1980s sitcom *ALF*, has successfully traded the intense spotlight of Hollywood for a remarkably private and fulfilling life. As of December 2025, Schedeen, now 76, lives quietly in Los Angeles, focusing her creative energy away from the camera, primarily as an acting coach and voice-over artist, having largely retired from on-screen roles after a brief appearance in 2014. Her journey from a prolific television actress to a behind-the-scenes mentor is a fascinating pivot that few fans of the Tanner family know about. The transition to a quieter life was a conscious choice for Schedeen following the end of *ALF* and a few subsequent guest-starring roles, allowing her to prioritize her family and pursue interests that offered more creative control and less public scrutiny. While she may no longer be a fixture on network television, her legacy is cemented by her work on the extraterrestrial sitcom and her earlier, versatile roles on classic shows like *Three's Company* and the prime-time soap *Paper Dolls*. Her current work focuses on nurturing the next generation of comedic talent, a far cry from dodging an alien from Melmac.

Anne Schedeen: A Full Biography and Profile

Luanne Ruth Schedeen, known professionally as Anne Schedeen, built a prolific career spanning four decades, primarily in television. She is instantly recognizable to a generation of fans for her signature role as Kate Tanner, but her filmography includes a wide range of dramatic and comedic performances before and after her time with the Melmacian.

• Full Name: Luanne Ruth Schedeen
• Date of Birth: January 8, 1949
• Age (as of Dec. 2025): 76 Years Old
• Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
• Spouse: Christopher Barrett (m. 1984 to present)
• Child: Taylor Barrett (Daughter, born 1989)
• Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
• Known For: Kate Tanner on *ALF* (1986–1990)
• Current Residence: Los Angeles, California
• Post-Acting Career: Acting Coach / Voice-Over Artist

Key Career Highlights and Television Roles

Schedeen began her professional acting career in the mid-1970s, establishing herself as a reliable and versatile television performer. Her work was characterized by a strong presence in various genres, from medical dramas to sitcoms and prime-time soaps.

• Early Roles: She had recurring guest-starring roles on the popular medical drama *Emergency!* as Nurse Carol Tipton in the mid-1970s.
• The Sitcom Era: Before landing the lead role on *ALF*, Schedeen appeared in multiple roles on the hit sitcom *Three's Company*. She notably played Linda, one of Jack Tripper's more memorable girlfriends, and also appeared as Louise Prescott and Lisa Page in separate episodes, showcasing her early comedic timing.
• Prime-Time Drama: In 1984, she took on a starring role as attorney Sara Frank on the short-lived but highly dramatic prime-time soap opera *Paper Dolls*, set in the high-stakes world of fashion and modeling.
• The Tanner Matriarch: Her defining role came in 1986 as Kate Tanner on *ALF*. Her character was the grounding, often skeptical, but deeply caring mother who struggled to keep her family and their secret alien houseguest, ALF, under control.
• Post-*ALF* Work: Following the sitcom's end, Schedeen appeared in a few projects, most notably a three-episode arc on the popular CBS legal drama *Judging Amy* in 2001, where she played Detective Peggy Fraser.
• Final On-Screen Role: Her last known on-screen credit was a 2014 appearance in the television series *Tiny Nuts*.

The Quiet Life: What Kate Tanner is Doing Today

Unlike many of her contemporaries who continue to seek out major film and television roles, Anne Schedeen has chosen a path focused on personal fulfillment and behind-the-scenes work. Her current activities are a testament to her desire for a life away from the relentless public eye, a contrast to the high-pressure environment of the *ALF* set, which she and other cast members have spoken candidly about.

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From Star to Mentor: Voice-Over and Acting Coaching

Schedeen's primary professional focus today leverages her decades of experience in the industry in a mentoring capacity. She has shifted her career to become a dedicated acting coach, particularly focusing on comedy actors. This work allows her to share her vast knowledge of timing, character development, and the technical aspects of television performance without the demanding schedule of a lead actor. It is a rewarding way to remain connected to the craft she loves while maintaining a low profile.

In addition to coaching, Schedeen has established herself as a successful voice-over artist. This field is perfect for a seasoned actor seeking a quieter career, as it allows her to utilize her distinctive voice for various projects, including commercials and animation, without the need for on-camera appearances. This dual career path—coaching and voice-over—demonstrates her commitment to the performing arts on her own terms.

Addressing the "Yoga Instructor" Misconception

A common misconception in "Where Are They Now?" articles is the claim that Anne Schedeen became a yoga instructor. This is a case of mistaken identity within the *ALF* cast. It was actually her co-star, Andrea Elson, who played her on-screen daughter Lynn Tanner, who pursued a career as a certified yoga instructor after leaving acting. Schedeen's post-acting career remains firmly rooted in acting instruction and voice work, not wellness instruction.

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The Tanner Family Legacy: Anne Schedeen's Personal Life Now

At the center of Anne Schedeen's quiet life is her long-standing marriage and her close relationship with her daughter. Her personal life offers some of the most unique and heartwarming details for fans of the *ALF* series.

A Long-Lasting Hollywood Marriage

Anne Schedeen has been married to actor and makeup artist Christopher Barrett since 1984. Their relationship has been a steady anchor throughout her most famous years on *ALF* and into her retirement. The couple has largely maintained their privacy, avoiding the typical celebrity scrutiny, which is a hallmark of Schedeen's post-fame choices.

The Daughter Whose Birth Was Written Into ALF

Schedeen and Barrett share one daughter, Taylor Barrett, who was born in 1989. In a rare instance of life imitating art, Schedeen’s real-life pregnancy with Taylor was written directly into the *ALF* storyline. Kate Tanner’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth of the Tanner family's third child, Eric Tanner, was a major plot point in the later seasons of the show. Today, Taylor Barrett has followed a creative path, working as a filmmaker and comedienne, continuing the family's artistic legacy.

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Anne Schedeen's current life is a masterclass in graceful retirement. She transitioned from being a recognizable face on one of the 80s' most popular shows to a respected mentor and artist working on her own terms. Her dedication to her family, her craft, and her privacy paints a picture of contentment that is far more satisfying than any comeback role could offer. For fans, knowing that the woman who played the iconic Kate Tanner is happy, healthy, and still involved in the arts is the best update of all.