The Tragic Death of ‘ALF’ Child Actor Benji Gregory

Benji Gregory looked back fondly on his time starring in the TV series “ALF,” where he appeared in 101 episodes. In a 2000 interview with People, he shared that working on the show hardly ever felt like a job. “The only times it felt like work was when the lights were on and it was real hot,” he recounted, adding that during breaks, he enjoyed “climbing under the stage and messing around with the staff.” Despite the comfortable paychecks, Gregory quickly realized that he didn’t love being in front of the camera. “I was on a lot of stupid cartoons,” he recalled about his projects post-“ALF.” “Voice-overs are easy, and I wasn’t actively trying to act anymore.” Although he stepped back from acting, he didn’t entirely close the door on the entertainment industry. “I’d like to work in the entertainment industry, but I’m not sure as what,” he said. “Definitely not acting.”

In 2003, Gregory chose a different path and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aerographer’s mate. Though he never returned to Hollywood, fans still cherish him through his role as Brian Tanner. Many paid tribute to him, expressing their sorrow. “Rest in Peace to both Benji Gregory and Hans as they travel across the rainbow bridge together. The next time I watch ALF, the laughs will be mixed with tears,” one fan wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

A childhood friend of Gregory’s also shared his feelings. “This hurts. Benji Gregory was a sweet, down to earth child actor and when us teens were partying, he was a straight-edged skater. I’ll never forget he wrote in my yearbook ‘Hope you become Miss America someday.'” Gregory’s sister mentioned that fans who want to honor him can make donations in his name to the Actors’ Equity Foundation.

Source: People, X