Then & Now: What Happened To The Cast Of ALF?

Mr. Judah Moore 21 May 2025

Ever wondered whatever happened to the Tanner family and their furry, wise-cracking houseguest from Melmac? The cast of "ALF" captivated audiences with its unique blend of sitcom tropes and extraterrestrial antics, but life after the show took dramatically different turns for its stars.

ALF, which stood for Alien Life Form, crash-landed into our living rooms in 1986 and ran for four seasons. The show revolved around the Tanners, a typical suburban family, as they navigated the challenges of hiding ALF (whose real name was Gordon Shumway) from the government and their nosy neighbors. The series was a hit, known for its sharp writing, endearing characters, and the puppetry that brought ALF to life. But what became of the actors who portrayed the Tanner family and the voice behind the iconic alien? Their stories are a mix of continued success, personal struggles, and quiet lives away from the spotlight. While the show continues to find new audiences through syndication and streaming, the lives of the cast members have evolved in ways both expected and surprising. The question remains: Where are they now, and what have they been up to since ALF signed off?

Cast Member	Character	Life After "ALF"
Max Wright	Willie Tanner	Max Wright, who played the patriarch Willie Tanner, continued to work in television and theater after "ALF." He appeared in shows like "Quantum Leap," "Murphy Brown," and "Friends." However, he also faced personal struggles, including battles with lymphoma and, later, controversies surrounding his personal life. Wright passed away in 2019 at the age of 75.
Anne Schedeen	Kate Tanner	Anne Schedeen, the actress behind the ever-patient Kate Tanner, largely stepped away from acting after "ALF." She made a few guest appearances in television shows like "Perry Mason," but primarily focused on raising her family and pursuing philanthropic endeavors. She's been involved in various charitable organizations and has maintained a relatively private life.
Andrea Elson	Lynn Tanner	Andrea Elson, who played the teenage daughter Lynn Tanner, faced challenges during and after the show. She battled bulimia during the filming of "ALF" and later spoke openly about her struggles with the eating disorder. After "ALF," she continued to act, appearing in shows like "Married... with Children" and "Step by Step." However, she eventually transitioned to a career as a yoga instructor.
Benji Gregory	Brian Tanner	Benji Gregory, the youngest member of the Tanner family, played the inquisitive Brian. After "ALF," he continued to act for a few years, appearing in shows like "Fantastic Max" and "Pound Puppies." However, he eventually left acting and later served in the U.S. Navy. He has since pursued other interests outside of the entertainment industry.
Paul Fusco	ALF (Puppeteer and Voice)	Paul Fusco, the mastermind behind ALF, was the puppeteer and voice of the alien. After the series ended, Fusco continued to work with the ALF character, creating animated series and television specials. He has also been involved in other puppetry and television projects. Fusco remains the most closely associated with the ALF character, and he continues to explore opportunities to bring the beloved alien back to the screen.

The actor who embodied Willie Tanner, Max Wright, had a career that stretched far beyond the confines of the family sitcom. Post-"ALF," Wright showcased his talents in a range of projects, appearing in episodes of "Quantum Leap" and "Murphy Brown." He even landed a recurring role as Terry, the manager of Central Perk, in the hit series "Friends," solidifying his place in television history. Wright also returned to his roots in theater, appearing in numerous stage productions. However, his life took a difficult turn as he battled lymphoma for several years. Sadly, Max Wright passed away in June 2019, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances. His portrayal of the beleaguered yet loving Willie Tanner remains a defining role in his career, though his broader work in television and theater demonstrated his versatility as an actor. His later years were marked by personal struggles, but his contributions to the entertainment industry are undeniable.

Anne Schedeen, known to fans as the practical and caring Kate Tanner, chose a different path after the show concluded. While she made a few guest appearances on television shows like "Perry Mason," Schedeen primarily dedicated her time to raising her family. She also became involved in various philanthropic endeavors, supporting causes that were important to her. Schedeen has largely remained out of the public eye, preferring a quieter life away from the spotlight. Her decision to prioritize her family and charitable work reflects a commitment to values that extended beyond her acting career. While her time as Kate Tanner is fondly remembered by fans, Schedeen's focus shifted towards personal fulfillment and making a positive impact in her community.

Andrea Elson, who portrayed the teenage daughter Lynn Tanner, faced unique challenges during her time on "ALF." She openly discussed her battle with bulimia, a struggle that began during the show's run. After "ALF," Elson continued to act, appearing in episodes of "Married... with Children" and "Step by Step." However, she eventually found a new passion in yoga. Elson became a certified yoga instructor and has since dedicated her time to teaching and promoting wellness. Her journey from actress to yoga instructor demonstrates a commitment to personal growth and a desire to help others. Elson's willingness to share her experiences with eating disorders has also made her an advocate for mental health awareness. Her post-"ALF" career reflects a transformation from the entertainment industry to a path focused on health and well-being.

Benji Gregory, the youngest member of the Tanner family, played the adorable Brian. After "ALF," Gregory continued to act for a few years, appearing in animated shows and television specials. However, he eventually made the decision to leave acting and pursue other interests. Gregory later joined the U.S. Navy, serving his country. After his military service, he has pursued various endeavors outside of the entertainment industry. Gregory's decision to step away from acting reflects a desire for a different kind of life experience. His service in the Navy demonstrates a commitment to duty and a willingness to explore new challenges. While his time as Brian Tanner is fondly remembered by fans, Gregory's path has led him in a different direction, one focused on personal growth and service.

Paul Fusco, the creative force behind ALF, remained deeply connected to the character after the series ended. As the puppeteer and voice of ALF, Fusco continued to develop the character through animated series, television specials, and various other projects. He has also been involved in other puppetry and television ventures, showcasing his talents in character creation and performance. Fusco remains the most closely associated with ALF, and he has expressed interest in bringing the character back to the screen in new and innovative ways. His dedication to ALF demonstrates a passion for the character and a desire to keep the legacy alive for future generations. Fusco's ongoing work with ALF ensures that the beloved alien continues to entertain and amuse audiences worldwide.

The show's cancellation after four seasons was a point of contention, as the final episode ended on a cliffhanger, leaving ALF's fate uncertain. Many fans were disappointed by the unresolved ending, and there were attempts to revive the series or create a movie to provide closure. A television movie, "Project: ALF," was eventually produced, but it did not feature the original cast and was generally poorly received. The lack of a proper conclusion to the series remains a source of frustration for many fans, who feel that the show deserved a more satisfying ending.

Beyond the individual paths of the cast members, the legacy of "ALF" continues to resonate with audiences. The show's unique blend of humor, heart, and science fiction made it a memorable and enduring part of television history. "ALF" explored themes of family, acceptance, and the challenges of cultural differences, all through the lens of a quirky alien living in suburban America. The show's success can be attributed to its strong writing, endearing characters, and the innovative puppetry that brought ALF to life. While the cast members have moved on to different chapters in their lives, their contributions to "ALF" remain a significant part of their careers and a source of fond memories for fans around the world.

The series also faced its share of challenges during its run. The demanding puppetry involved in bringing ALF to life required a complex set and a team of skilled performers. The show's production was often time-consuming and expensive, which contributed to its eventual cancellation. Despite these challenges, the cast and crew remained dedicated to creating a high-quality show that would entertain and amuse audiences. Their efforts paid off, as "ALF" became a global phenomenon, translated into multiple languages and broadcast in countries around the world.

The enduring appeal of "ALF" can be seen in its continued popularity in syndication and streaming. The show's episodes are still broadcast on television channels around the world, and they are also available on various streaming platforms. This allows new generations of viewers to discover the charm and humor of "ALF," ensuring that the show's legacy will continue for years to come. The show's themes of family, acceptance, and cultural understanding remain relevant today, making it a timeless classic that resonates with audiences of all ages.

The "ALF" cast, despite their varied experiences after the show, created a memorable piece of television history. From Max Wright's distinguished career cut short, to Anne Schedeen's dedication to family and philanthropy, Andrea Elson's journey to wellness, Benji Gregory's service, and Paul Fusco's continued commitment to the character of ALF, each member contributed to the show's success. Their individual paths reflect the diverse ways in which people navigate life after fame, and their stories offer a glimpse into the realities of working in the entertainment industry.

While a reboot or revival of "ALF" has been discussed over the years, no concrete plans have materialized. Paul Fusco has expressed interest in bringing the character back to television, but any potential revival would need to capture the spirit and humor of the original series. The challenge lies in updating the character for a modern audience while retaining the qualities that made "ALF" so beloved in the first place. Whether or not "ALF" ever returns to the screen, the show's legacy remains secure, and the cast members will always be remembered for their contributions to this iconic television series.

Name	Max Wright
Birth Name	George Edward Wright
Date of Birth	August 2, 1943
Place of Birth	Detroit, Michigan, USA
Date of Death	June 26, 2019 (aged 75)
Cause of Death	Lymphoma
Occupation	Actor
Years Active	19742005
Spouse(s)	Linda Ybarrondo (m. 19652017, her death)
Children	2
Notable Roles	Willie Tanner in ALF
Education	Wayne State University (BA, MA)
Reference	Wikipedia - Max Wright

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