Anne’s family announced the heartbreaking news in a statement shared on Facebook.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share Annie has passed peacefully,” the family wrote. “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 statement paints a picture of a woman whose life extended far beyond the screen. While fans knew her as a talented actress, those closest to her knew a fiercely creative spirit who found joy in art, storytelling, family, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

The family continued:

“She was a force. And it is unimaginable to think about life without her in it. But as she said, ‘I’m always with you.’ And she’s right. The memories, artwork, belly laughter, handmade jewelry, oil paintings, sculptures, costumes, and all around joie de vivre live on. Raise a margarita in her honor.”

A deeply introverted child

Born in Portland, Oregon, on January 8, 1949, Schedeen developed a love for performing at an early age. But she often reflected on how shy she was growing up.

Describing herself as a deeply introverted child, she once said, ”I was so introverted as a little girl I would hide under the skirts of the dining room table and just listen to the adults.””

To help her gain confidence and feel more at ease around others, her mother enrolled her in youth drama classes, a decision that would eventually set her on the path to a lifelong career in acting.

After studying drama and working in theater, she eventually made her way to Hollywood, where she built a successful television career spanning decades.

Long before ALF, she became a familiar face to audiences through appearances on numerous popular series, including The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Emergency!, The Incredible Hulk, Three’s Company, Cheers, Magnum, P.I., Murder, She Wrote, and many others. Her versatility and natural screen presence made her a sought-after performer throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

Yet it was ALF that cemented her place in television history.

Across four seasons from 1986 to 1990, Schedeen’s portrayal of Kate Tanner provided the emotional center of the series. Whether dealing with family challenges or the chaos brought on by an alien houseguest, she delivered performances that felt genuine, heartfelt, and timeless.