Where Are the Stars of ‘ALF’ Now? A Look at the Lives of the 80s Cult Series Cast

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October 26, 2024

What Happened to the cast of ‘ALF‘? A Look Back at the 80s sitcom Stars

The 1986-1990 sitcom “ALF” remains a beloved piece of 80s television history. Inspired by films like “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” the show centered on Gordon Shumway, an alien who crash lands and finds an unlikely home with the Tanner family. But what became of the actors who brought this quirky world to life? A recent wave of interest in the show has prompted a look at the lives and careers of those involved, and sadly, included news of a cast member’s passing.

The Voice and Creator: Paul Fusco

Paul Fusco,72,was the heart and soul of “ALF,” not only providing the iconic voice and puppetry for the character but also co-developing the series with Tom Patchett. Fusco’s connection to ALF extended beyond the original run; he continued to voice and perform the character in subsequent animated series and a feature film. He has also appeared as ALF in more recent television shows such as “Mr. Robot,” “Young Sheldon”, and “The Simpsons.” Rumors of an “ALF” movie revival have circulated as 2012, but no updates have materialized.

Michu Meszaros: The Man Inside the Suit

While Fusco provided the voice, Michu Meszaros, once recognized as one of the world’s smallest men at 82 centimeters, physically portrayed ALF in full-body shots during the first season. A dispute with Warner Bros. led to his departure after the initial season, with the show utilizing archive footage of Meszaros thereafter. Meszaros continued to appear in films, Pepsi commercials alongside Michael Jackson, and even a music video by Aerosmith before his death in 2016 at age 76.

Max Wright: From Stage to Sitcom and Beyond

max Wright, who played the patriarch Willie Tanner, had a successful theater career before landing his role on “ALF,” even earning a Tony Award nomination. Following the show’s cancellation, Wright continued acting in films such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Snow Falling on Cedars,” and made appearances in two episodes of “Friends.” Though,the actor reportedly lamented that his role as the father in a sitcom defined his career. Wright faced personal struggles, including a cancer diagnosis in 1995 and legal issues related to substance abuse. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 75.

Anne Schedeen: Kate Tanner’s Post-ALF Life

Anne Schedeen, who portrayed the maternal Kate Tanner, remains alive and well. After “ALF,” she continued to act in supporting roles in various television shows, including “Magnum, P.I.” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Schedeen later transitioned into other ventures, working as an antique dealer and teaching comedy.She is currently an ambassador for the aid institution “Holiday Heroes” in Bulgaria. She has publicly described her time filming “ALF” as difficult due to the complexities of working with the ALF puppet and reported issues with some colleagues.

Andrea Elson: From Lynn Tanner to Yoga Instructor

Andrea Elson, who played the teenage daughter Lynn Tanner, appeared in several guest roles in series like “Who’s the Boss?” and “A different World” after “ALF.” She married production assistant Scott Hopper and now goes by Annie Hopper.The couple has two children and operates a yoga studio in California, where she teaches classes, largely staying out of the public spotlight.

Benji Gregory: A Tragic Loss

Benji Gregory, who played the youngest Tanner child, Brian, passed away on June 13, 2024, at the age of 46. The cause of death was persistent to be heat exposure combined with hepatic cirrhosis.Gregory, who later went by Ben Hertzberg, had a troubled life following his time on “ALF,” battling bipolar disorder after serving a brief stint in the Navy. he also posted a concerning video on YouTube in 2015.

Actor	Character	current Status (as of Oct 26, 2024)
Paul fusco	ALF (voice and puppeteer)	Still active
Michu Meszaros	ALF (full-body suit)	Deceased (2016)
Max Wright	Willie Tanner	Deceased (2019)
Anne Schedeen	Kate tanner	Still Living
Andrea Elson	Lynn tanner	Still Living
Benji Gregory	brian Tanner	Deceased (2024)

The enduring appeal of “ALF” lies in its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary. The show tackled themes of family, acceptance, and the absurdity of human existence, resonating with audiences of all ages. The series saw a surge in popularity through streaming services and syndication, introducing a new generation to the lovable alien from Melmac.

Did You Know? The name “ALF” stands for “Alien Life Form,” a clever nod to the show’s extraterrestrial protagonist.

Pro Tip: Reruns of “ALF” and clips from the show are easily accessible on various streaming platforms, offering a nostalgic escape for fans and an introduction to a classic sitcom for new viewers.

The legacy of “ALF” continues to live on through its avid fanbase and the enduring memories it created for millions of viewers.

Frequently Asked Questions about ‘ALF’

• What does ALF stand for? ALF stands for Alien Life Form, a name given to the character by the Tanner family.
• Is Paul Fusco still involved with ALF? Yes, Paul Fusco continues to be associated with the character, occasionally reprising his role in various television appearances.
• What happened to the actor who played ALF in the suit? Michu Meszaros, who portrayed ALF in the full-body suit, passed away in 2016.
• Where can I watch episodes of ALF? Episodes of “ALF” are available for streaming on platforms such as Tubi and through various digital retailers.
• Was ALF a critical success during its original run? While not always a critical darling, “ALF” achieved significant commercial success and remains a beloved series for many.

What are your fondest memories of watching “ALF”? Do you think a revival of the show would capture the same magic? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What recent public appearance by Paul Fusco demonstrates ongoing fan interest in ALF?

Paul Fusco: The Man Behind the Melmacian

paul Fusco, the puppeteer and voice of ALF (Alien Life Form), remains the most visibly connected too the show.Beyond voicing ALF, Fusco was also a writer and producer for the series.

* Post-ALF Career: Fusco continued to perform as ALF in various appearances, including commercials and television specials, well into the 2000s. He’s actively involved in maintaining ALF’s legacy.

* Recent Activity (2025): According to aace.org.uk, Paul Fusco was a speaker at the ALF event in 2025, demonstrating his continued engagement with the fanbase. This highlights his dedication to the character and the show’s enduring appeal.

* Puppetry & Voice Work: Fusco has consistently worked as a puppeteer and voice actor throughout his career, showcasing his versatile talents beyond ALF.

Max Wright: Willie Tanner’s Journey

Max Wright, who played Willie Tanner, the sympathetic father who took ALF in, faced a more complex path after the show’s cancellation.

* Continued acting Roles: Wright continued to act in television and film, appearing in shows like Buffalo Bill and All My Children. He also had roles in films like Soul Man.

* Health Challenges: Sadly, Max Wright battled lymphoma and passed away in 2019 at the age of 75. His portrayal of Willie Tanner remains a beloved part of television history.

* Impact of the role: Wright often spoke fondly of his time on ALF, acknowledging the show’s lasting impact on his career and the affection fans held for the Tanner family.

Anne Schedeen: Kate Tanner’s Life After Melmac

Anne Schedeen, who portrayed Kate Tanner, Willie’s wife, also continued acting after ALF.

* television Alex Reed Appearances: Schedeen made guest appearances in numerous television series, including Cheers, Designing Women, and Matlock.

* Behind-the-Scenes Work: She transitioned into behind-the-scenes work,focusing on writing and production.

* personal Life: Schedeen has largely maintained a private life, focusing on her family and creative pursuits outside of the spotlight.

Benji Gregory: Brian Tanner – From Child Star to…

Benji Gregory, the youngest Tanner, played Brian, the son who initially discovered ALF. His post-ALF life took a diffrent turn.

* Leaving Acting: Gregory largely stepped away from acting after ALF,choosing to pursue other interests.

* Criminal History: Unfortunately,Gregory faced legal troubles in the years following the show,including arrests related to drug possession and burglary. These incidents marked a stark contrast to his wholesome image as a child star.

* Recent Years: Data about Gregory’s current activities is limited, as he has largely remained out of the public eye.

Andrea Elson: Lynn Tanner’s Path

Andrea Elson, who played Lynn Tanner, the teenage daughter, also navigated a post-ALF career.

* Acting and Education: Elson continued to act in smaller roles,but also prioritized her education. She attended college and earned a degree.

* Healthcare Profession: Elson ultimately pursued a career in healthcare, becoming a registered nurse. This represents a meaningful shift from her acting days.

* Social Media Presence: She maintains a limited social media presence,occasionally interacting with ALF fans and sharing updates on her life.

Michu Meszaros: The Original ALF Performer

While Paul Fusco is most recognized for ALF, Michu Meszaros was the original performer inside the ALF puppet for the pilot episode.

* Unique Contribution: Meszaros, a little person actor, brought a physicality to ALF that was crucial in establishing the character’s comedic timing and presence.

* Career in Entertainment: Meszaros continued to work as an actor, appearing in films like Big trouble in Little China and Houseguest.

* Passing: Sadly, Michu Meszaros passed away in 2016, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering performer in puppetry and character acting.

The Enduring Legacy of ALF

the cast of ALF experienced diverse paths after the show’s run. While some continued to thrive in the entertainment industry,others chose different careers or faced personal challenges.The show’s enduring popularity,however,ensures that their performances and the character of ALF continue to resonate with audiences today.The 80s sitcom remains a cultural touchstone, sparking nostalgia and reminding viewers of a simpler time in television history. The recent appearance of Paul Fusco at events like the one highlighted by aace.org.uk demonstrates the ongoing interest in the show and its stars.