Peoria, Arizona – Former child star Benji Gregory, known for his role as Brian Tanner on the sitcom ALF, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. Gregory was found dead in his car, alongside his service dog Hans, in a parking lot at Chase Bank on June 13. While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, friends and family believe it may have been due to vehicular heatstroke.
Gregory’s sister, Rebecca, revealed that the actor had been battling depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that often kept him awake for days. However, those close to him speculate that he had gone to the bank on June 12 to deposit residual checks and fell asleep in his car.
ALF, which aired from 1986 to 1990, follows the story of the Tanner family, who take in an alien named ALF after his spaceship crashes into their garage. The sitcom was a hit, catapulting Gregory to fame at the young age of eight. The puppet character of ALF was performed by director Paul Fusco.
Born in Los Angeles in 1978, Gregory came from a family of actors, including his father, uncle, and sister. In addition to his role on ALF, he made appearances on shows like Fantastic Max, The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, and The Twilight Zone. After stepping away from acting in 2003, Gregory enlisted in the US Navy and was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson. He received an honorable medical discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s death serves as a tragic reminder of the challenges that former child stars can face. Mental health issues, coupled with the pressures of fame and transitioning into adulthood, can have lasting effects on their lives. His sister Rebecca has suggested making donations to The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA in her brother’s name.
Please note that the information presented is based on preliminary reports, and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office is still investigating the cause of death.