Alf Cast and Character Guide: Discover What the Actors Are Doing Now

The iconic ’80s sitcom ALF concluded in 1990, leaving many fans curious about what the talented cast members have been doing since the show aired. Debuting in 1986, ALF follows the quirky alien who crash-lands on Earth and befriends the Tanner family, who live in California. This delightful fish-out-of-water tale became a source of comedic moments as ALF navigates the complexities of human life, often leading to laugh-out-loud situations, especially around his fondness for felines.

Although ALF didn’t receive the same critical acclaim as some of its contemporaries, its distinct storyline has influenced numerous future sitcoms, including the hit series 3rd Rock from the Sun. The heart of the series shone through its committed cast, many of whom have since left the entertainment industry. Sadly, a few have passed away, prompting a closer look at where these actors are now.

Paul Fusco as ALF

Continues to Voice ALF in Other Movies & TV Shows

Character: Paul Fusco, the writer, producer, and co-creator of the series, is the voice behind ALF, and also performed the puppeteering. As an alien from the planet Melmac, ALF crash-lands his ship into the Tanner garage, where he forms an endearing bond with the Tanner family, despite the humor found in his attempts to understand human customs. ALF’s name stands for “alien life form,” though it is later revealed that his real name is Gordon Shumway.

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Where Are They Now: Since the series finished, Fusco has continued to lend his voice to ALF in various guest appearances, including shows like Young Sheldon and The Simpsons. In 2012, reports surfaced that Sony Productions acquired the rights for a CGI-animated ALF film, but no new developments have emerged, indicating that plans for a movie revival may have stalled.

Max Wright as Willie Tanner

Passed Away in 2018

Character: Max Wright portrayed Willie Tanner, the head of the Tanner family. Known for his sometimes high-strung personality, Willie is a devoted father and husband. His relationship with ALF is a mix of affection and aggravation, as he consistently tries to protect ALF from the prying eyes of the government’s Alien Task Force.

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Where Are They Now: After ALF, Wright made appearances in several TV series, including Quantum Leap, Murphy Brown, and Friends. He starred in films such as The Shadow and Grumpier Old Men. From 1999 to 2001, he was a regular cast member on Norm. Tragically, Wright passed away in 2019 at the age of 75 due to complications from cancer.

Anne Schedeen as Kate Tanner

Left Acting & Became a Charity Ambassador

Character: Portrayed by Anne Schedeen, Kate Tanner is Willie’s supportive wife and the caring mother of Lynn and Brian. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining harmony between her family, ALF, and the outside world.

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Where Are They Now: Following her time on ALF, Schedeen appeared in a few projects, including Perry Mason and Judging Amy. However, she largely retired from acting and took on the role of a charity ambassador for Holiday Heroes in 2019.

Andrea Elson as Lynn Tanner

Retired from Acting & Married ALF’s Stage Manager

Character: Lynn Tanner, portrayed by Andrea Elson, is the teenage daughter of the Tanner family, grappling with common high school challenges like relationships and self-image. In one memorable episode, ALF develops a crush on her.

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Where Are They Now: Elson made guest appearances on various television shows after ALF but eventually retired from acting in 1996. She married ALF set manager Scott Hopper in 1993 and once owned a yoga studio, although she has remained largely out of the spotlight since then.

Benji Gregory as Brian Tanner

Passed Away in 2024

Character: As Brian Tanner, played by Benji Gregory, he was the youngest Tanner until the arrival of his baby brother. Brian often found himself at the center of ALF’s mischief but developed a close bond with the alien.

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Where Are They Now: Gregory began his acting career at a young age and transitioned to voice animation post-ALF. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2003 but was honorably discharged due to health issues in 2005. Tragically, Gregory was found deceased in his car in June 2024 due to heat stroke at the age of 46.

John LaMotta as Trevor Ochmonek

Passed Away in 2014

Character: The role of Trevor Ochmonek, the clueless neighbor of the Tanners, was brought to life by John LaMotta. Often unaware of his neighbors’ secret, Trevor’s comedic intrusions provided significant laugh lines throughout the series.

Notable Movies & TV Shows:

Where Are They Now: John LaMotta continued to appear on various television shows following ALF, securing roles in Northern Exposure, ER, and The Nanny. He also appeared in films like Vampire in Brooklyn. LaMotta’s career concluded with his final acting credit in 2004, and he passed away in 2014 at the age of 75.

Liz Sheridan as Raquel Ochmonek

Passed Away in 2022

Character: Liz Sheridan took on the role of Raquel Ochmonek, Trevor’s suspicious and nosy wife who often felt there was something unusual about the Tanners. Despite her vigilance, she never realized they were harboring an alien.

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Where Are They Now: After ALF, Sheridan gained fame for her role as Helen, Jerry Seinfeld’s mother, in Seinfeld. She guest-starred in various shows in the years following her ALF involvement and her last acting role was in the 2010 indie film Trim. Sheridan passed away in 2022 at the age of 93, leaving behind a rich legacy in television (via Entertainment Weekly).

Did the Cast Really Hate Working with ALF Himself?

The Setup for the Puppet Led to 18-Hour Shooting Days

Working alongside a puppet can create unique challenges, and there have been numerous reports of frustrations among the cast members regarding the time-intensive process required to operate ALF’s puppet. The intricacies of the soundstage setup occasionally extended shoot days to as long as 18 hours, leading to considerable exhaustion for the actors.

Max Wright, reflecting on the tiring process, admitted that by the end of the series, he was ready to move on. Anne Schedeen witnessed an incident where Wright walked off the set immediately after filming, indicating his level of frustration was significant. While it’s clear that ALF had its demanding moments, the chemistry and talent of the cast contributed to making it one of the most cherished sitcoms of its era. Ultimately, the series concluded on a cliffhanger, with a TV movie in 1996 providing some closure, yet notably, only Paul Fusco reprised his role among the core cast.

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