The Dark Secrets and True Realities Behind ALF

Imagine starring in one of the most popular TV shows of the 1980s, only to have it become a living nightmare– that’s what happened with the show ALF, with struggles and heartbreak consuming the actors that starred in the show. "ALF," which aired from 1986 to 1990, was not just another family sitcom. It followed the Tanner family, an average American household, whose world was turned upside down when a cat-hungry alien from the planet Melmac crash-landed into their lives. ALF was short for Alien Life Form—and they chose to keep his existence a secret, despite his quirky antics. ALF was hilarious and it had millions watching, but the lives of the actors behind this beloved show were far from the cheerful image they played on screen.

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[themovieguy]

I would like to thank the cast for enduring their hardships for this show. Their contributions made q lot of families and their children very happy including myself.🙏

[MADWORLD]

I was an extra on an episode of Quantum Leap and Max Wright was a guest star, we had a two hour conversation and he could not have been nicer!

[LordBonesaw]

I’m 38 years old and still have my talking alf that I’ve had since I was a kid….. memories

[paulganzenhuber]

I think later in life Max Wright grew less bitter about his days on ALF. He realized how much people loved the show, and I believe he appreciated that. I wish he didn’t feel like he played second fiddle to a puppet. I loved his role on the show. And, ALF was a hit because everyone was perfect for the role they played, even if it was tough.

[lunjastihomanija]

The man who wore the Alf costume in the popular American TV series "ALF" was Michu Meszaros, a Hungarian actor of short stature. Meszaros was born in 1939 in Budapest, Hungary, and was only about 83 cm tall (2 feet 9 inches) due to a rare form of dwarfism.

He portrayed Alf in scenes where the character needed to move or physically interact, while most of the time a puppet operated by puppeteers was used. Due to his height, he was perfect for the role of the alien Alf, appearing in full-body scenes, while the character’s voice was provided by Paul Fusco, who was also the co-creator of the series.

Michu Meszaros also performed in circuses before becoming a Hollywood actor. He passed away in 2016 in Los Angeles.

[jeremyprice]

Tell you what, pay me 5k an episode ( in 80s money) to talk to and work with a puppet for a living, and won't hear a peep out of me.

[wanorman]

I think it's a credit to the talent of the actors who worked under such impossible conditions that they were able to make the show a success.

[judythompson]

I was devastated when Alf was canceled...

[mikeyb]

Actors: sign on for a show where the puppet is the star.
Also Actors: mad about working on a show where the puppet is the star.

[mentalizatelo]

I'm 44 and I still watch Alf, humor is absolutely amazing, very smart, works on lots of levels. So sad they had such a terrible experience, the series was awesome!

[Mr-Clark]

I loved ALF.
Greatest show.

The Ochmoneks were a riot 😂

[florenciabalori]

I'm Uruguayan and grew up watching Alf, I absolutely adored this series.

[brianaucuba]

One of my favorite 1980s shows. Very creative and unusual at the time, I am surprised that it got green lit by network executives.

[DJapan]

"not just another family sitcom". It kind of was, every family sitcom had to have a gimmick. Alien, British butler, Bigfoot, foreign cousin, black kids in a white family, robot daughter...

[froggy]

What makes me sad is they never looked back at the show and realised that their great skills and acting chops are as big a part of what made ALF great as those who brought ALF to life. Max Wright and Benji Gregory especially had a great natural rapport with ALF and that's what made ALF seem so real.

[TA]

I’d say you failed to mention the source of the show’s behind the scenes problems. Paul Fusco, co-creator and ALF’s voice and primary handler was responsible for the hostile work environment. His insistence that ALF be treated like a living breathing member of the cast made the difficult set working conditions worse.

You should consider adding a segment covering Paul Fusco or make a separate video about him.

[joehansen]

I was stationed in Germany in 89, 90 and Alf was huge there!

[josephbrown]

It’s my understanding that the issues of working with Alf were less about the technical challenges of the puppet and more about dealing with the toxic personality of Alf’s puppeteer.

[willswalkingwest]

I used to love watching ALF with my two cats.

[paulnicolosi]

I did a game show with Alf back in 86, The Hollywood Squares. I was a contestant and lost. They sent me home with ‘a lovely parting gift’…A year’s supply of Tuna Helper….😮