PEORIA, Arizona – Fans of the popular 80s TV show “ALF” were saddened by the news of the passing of Benji Gregory at the age of 46. Gregory, who portrayed Brian Tanner on the beloved series, was found deceased in his car outside a Chase Bank in Peoria, Arizona. His sister Rebecca confirmed this heartbreaking news, stating that Gregory’s body was discovered on June 13. According to reports, Gregory had been at the bank dropping off checks the day before and is believed to have fallen asleep in his car, possibly succumbing to the extreme heat. Tragically, his service dog, Hans, was also found deceased in the vehicle.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has confirmed Gregory’s passing, although the exact cause of death remains unknown at this time. Rebecca shared with Deadline that Gregory had been battling various mental health issues, including depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder. The sudden loss of the talented actor has left family and friends devastated, with his cousin Camille Jazzy Jenkins taking to social media to pay tribute to Gregory and attribute his death to “heat exhaustion.”
In the midst of a scorching summer in Arizona, where temperatures have soared, Gregory’s passing serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of extreme heat. The National Weather Service reported that June had been the hottest month on record in Phoenix, with an average temperature of 97 degrees. Gregory’s role as Brian Tanner on “ALF” endeared him to fans worldwide, with the show running for 103 episodes from 1986 to 1990. Following his time on the series, Gregory pursued a career in the Navy, where he served honorably before being discharged in 2005.
Reflecting on his time on “ALF,” Gregory reminisced in a 2022 YouTube interview about the show’s success and the camaraderie among the cast. Despite the show’s popularity, Gregory remained humble about its impact, recalling the friendly rivalry with another series in the same time slot. His legacy as Brian Tanner will live on in the hearts of fans who remember him fondly from his days on the iconic sitcom.