Remembering Benji Gregory: The Beloved "ALF" Star Whose Life Ended Tragically

Benji Gregory, the child actor who captivated audiences as Brian Tanner on the beloved 1980s sitcom "ALF," has passed away at the age of 46. His sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, shared the heartbreaking news on Facebook, revealing the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.

A Talented Actor Whose Legacy Lives On

The Rise and Fall of a Child Star

Benji Gregory's journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age, as he appeared in commercials and guest-starred on shows like "The A-Team" and "The Twilight Zone." His big break came in 1986 when he landed the role of Brian Tanner on the hit sitcom "ALF," which followed the story of a furry alien who crash-landed into the Tanner family's garage in California. Gregory's portrayal of the bright-eyed and endearing Brian quickly won the hearts of viewers, and he became a beloved figure in the show's four-season run.However, as is often the case with child stars, Gregory's transition into adulthood was not without its challenges. After the end of "ALF" in 1990, he continued to act, appearing in films like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Never Forget." But by the late 1990s, he had largely stepped away from the spotlight, choosing to serve in the U.S. Navy at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi.

The Tragic Circumstances of His Passing

On June 13th, 2023, Gregory was found deceased in his car, along with his service dog, in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. According to his sister, the family believes he had gone to the location the previous evening to deposit some residual checks found in his vehicle, but "never got out of the car to do so." Tragically, Gregory had fallen asleep in the vehicle and succumbed to vehicular heatstroke, as the region was experiencing a severe heat wave at the time.Maricopa County medical examiner records have confirmed that Gregory passed away on June 13th, but the exact manner and primary cause of death are still pending. His sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, shared that Gregory had been living with bipolar disorder and depression, and had been receiving care for both conditions.

Remembering a Beloved Actor and Family Member

In her heartfelt Facebook post, Hertzberg-Pfaffinger described her brother as a "great Son, Brother and Uncle" who was "fun to be around and made us laugh quite often." She also expressed the bittersweet emotions of going through his belongings, finding "little videos or notes of his, in between crying."The loss of Benji Gregory has undoubtedly left a void in the lives of his family, friends, and the countless fans who grew up watching him on "ALF." While his passing is a tragic and untimely event, his legacy as a talented and beloved actor will continue to live on, inspiring and touching the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to witness his on-screen magic.