Benji Gregory, the actor best known for his role as Brian Tanner in the iconic 1980s sitcom ALF, has passed away at the age of 46. His sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, confirmed the tragic news, revealing that Gregory and his service dog were found dead in his car on June 13 in Peoria, Arizona. The cause of death was heatstroke, as he had fallen asleep in the vehicle.
Gregory’s portrayal of Brian Tanner, the youngest member of the Tanner family who befriends the wisecracking alien ALF, made him a household name. The show, which aired from 1986 to 1990, became a cultural phenomenon, blending humor and heartwarming moments. Despite its quirky premise, ALF left a lasting impact on pop culture, with references to the show appearing in everything from Super Bowl commercials to in-flight safety videos.
Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg on May 26, 1978, in Los Angeles, Gregory began his career as a baby model before transitioning to acting. His mother, Patty Hertzberg, managed his career, while his grandmother, Estelle Hertzberg, a seasoned talent agent, helped guide his path. In addition to ALF, Gregory appeared in popular TV shows like Punky Brewster, The A-Team, and Amazing Stories, as well as the 1986 film Jumpin’ Jack Flash starring Whoopi Goldberg.
After leaving acting in his 20s, Gregory joined the Navy, serving as a weatherman on an aircraft carrier before being honorably discharged. He later struggled with depression and bipolar disorder, which he openly discussed on social media. Gregory also shared that he had reconnected with his ALF co-star Max Wright, who played his father on the show, at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Gregory’s legacy lives on through his work and the fond memories of fans who grew up watching ALF. He is survived by his parents, step-parents, and sister.
