Former ‘ALF’ Child Star Benji Gregory Passes Away at 46

• Benji Gregory died on June 13 at the age of 46.
• He and his service dog were found deceased in his car, with heatstroke as the suspected cause of death.
• Gregory was known for playing Brian Tanner in 101 episodes of ‘ALF.’

On June 13, Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, professionally known as Benji Gregory, was discovered deceased in his car. He is believed to have succumbed to heatstroke after falling asleep in his vehicle. The tragedy also claimed the life of his service dog. He was only 46 years old.

Kicking off his acting career in 1984, Gregory gained fame for his portrayal of Brian Tanner in the NBC sitcom ALF. The show ran from 1986 to 1990, and Gregory remained a pivotal character throughout its entire duration. He eventually retired from acting in 1993.

Born on May 26, 1978, in Los Angeles, California, Benji Gregory was immersed in the entertainment industry from a young age. His father, sister, and uncle were all actors, and his grandmother served as his agent. Gregory made his first small-screen appearance in an episode of The A-Team titled “Hot Styles.” That same year, he also appeared in an episode of T.J. Hooker called “The Confession.”

In 1985, Gregory’s talents were showcased in shows like Punky Brewster and Amazing Stories. A year later, he landed the role that would define his career: Brian Tanner on ALF. While his television work took center stage, Gregory also appeared in two films—Jumpin’ Jack Flash in 1986 and Once Upon a Forest in 1993, marking his final on-screen credit.

Despite his achievements, life was not without its challenges for Gregory. According to his older sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, he struggled with bipolar disorder, depression, and a severe sleep disorder. These conditions plagued him for years, depriving him of rest for days on end.

Those close to Gregory believe he had visited a Chase Bank in Peoria, Arizona, on June 12 to deposit checks and subsequently fell asleep in his car. The temperature in Peoria reached 109 degrees that day, suggesting heatstroke as the cause of death. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to release a formal ruling on his cause of death.

Following his departure from the acting world, Gregory completed his education and briefly served in the U.S. Navy. He specialized as an aerographer’s mate before receiving an honorable medical discharge in 2005. In 2006, he married, marking a new chapter in his life beyond the limelight.

Rest in peace, Benji Gregory. Your contributions to entertainment and your enduring spirit will not be forgotten.

Source: Various