40 Facts About ALF

ALF: The Alien Life Form

"ALF" is a beloved TV show from the 1980s that captured the hearts of many. The series follows the adventures of a wisecracking alien who crash-lands on Earth and lives with a suburban family. Here are some fascinating facts about this iconic show.

1. ALF's Real Name: ALF stands for "Alien Life Form," but his real name is Gordon Shumway.

2. Home Planet: ALF hails from the planet Melmac, which was destroyed in a nuclear explosion.

3. First Appearance: The show premiered on September 22, 1986, on NBC.

4. Puppet Master: ALF was operated by puppeteer Paul Fusco, who also provided the voice.

5. Four Seasons: The series ran for four seasons, ending in 1990.

6. Spin-offs: ALF inspired an animated series and a comic book series.

7. Catchphrase: ALF's famous catchphrase is "No problem!"

8. ALF's Appetite: He has a notorious appetite for cats, much to the dismay of the Tanner family's pet, Lucky.

9. Cultural Impact: ALF became a pop culture icon, appearing in commercials, video games, and even music videos.

10. Merchandise: The show spawned a wide range of merchandise, including toys, lunchboxes, and clothing.

Behind the Scenes

The making of "ALF" involved a lot of creativity and hard work. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts that might surprise you.

11. Hidden Set: The set was built four feet above the ground to accommodate the puppeteers.

12. Multiple ALFs: Several ALF puppets were used, each designed for different types of scenes.

13. Human ALF: Actor Michu Meszaros wore a full-body ALF suit for scenes requiring full-body shots.

14. Complex Filming: Episodes took longer to film due to the complexity of working with puppets.

15. Secretive Scripts: Scripts were kept secret to prevent leaks about ALF's antics.

16. Voice Recording: Paul Fusco recorded ALF's lines separately, often after the scenes were shot.

17. Cast Challenges: The human cast found it challenging to interact with a puppet, requiring extra rehearsals.

18. Special Effects: Early CGI and practical effects were used to create ALF's spaceship and other alien technology.

19. Guest Stars: The show featured guest appearances by celebrities like Joe Namath and David Leisure.

20. Theme Song: The catchy theme song was composed by Alf Clausen, who later worked on "The Simpsons."

ALF's Legacy

Even after the show ended, ALF's legacy continued to grow. Here are some facts about ALF's lasting impact.

21. TV Movies: ALF starred in two TV movies, "Project: ALF" and "ALF's Special Christmas."

22. Reboot Attempts: There have been several attempts to reboot the series, though none have been successful.

23. Cameo Appearances: ALF has made cameo appearances in shows like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy."

24. Fan Conventions: ALF remains a popular figure at fan conventions and nostalgia events.

25. Online Presence: ALF has a strong online presence, with fan sites and social media pages dedicated to him.

26. DVD Releases: The complete series is available on DVD, allowing new generations to enjoy the show.

27. Streaming: "ALF" is available on various streaming platforms, keeping the show accessible to fans.

28. Cultural References: ALF is often referenced in other TV shows, movies, and even books.

29. Memorabilia: Original ALF memorabilia is highly sought after by collectors.

30. Influence on Sci-Fi: The show influenced other sci-fi comedies, paving the way for series like "3rd Rock from the Sun."

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and quirky facts about ALF that you might not know.

31. ALF's Age: ALF is 229 years old in Melmacian years.

32. Favorite Food: Besides cats, ALF loves eating everything from pizza to popcorn.

33. Melmacian Language: ALF occasionally speaks in his native Melmacian language, which sounds like gibberish.

34. ALF's Family: He often talks about his family back on Melmac, including his girlfriend Rhonda.

35. Hobbies: ALF enjoys watching TV, playing cards, and making sarcastic remarks.

36. Fear of Water: ALF has a fear of water, as Melmacians can't swim.

37. ALF's IQ: He boasts an IQ of 175, making him a genius by human standards.

38. Favorite TV Show: ALF loves watching "Gilligan's Island."

39. Musical Talent: ALF can play several musical instruments, including the saxophone.

40. ALF's Birthdate: He celebrates his birthday on October 28.

ALF's Enduring Legacy

ALF, the lovable alien from Melmac, still holds a special place in pop culture. His quirky humor and unique perspective on human life made the show a hit in the '80s. Fans remember his love for cats (as meals) and his constant attempts to fix his spaceship. The show tackled serious topics with a light-hearted touch, making it relatable and entertaining.

Even after the series ended, ALF appeared in commercials, talk shows, and even had a short-lived talk show of his own. His character remains iconic, proving that good storytelling and humor never go out of style. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the series, ALF's adventures offer timeless laughs and a nostalgic trip back to simpler times. So, if you haven't already, give ALF a watch—you might just find yourself hooked on this furry alien's antics.