Peoria, Arizona – Former child actor Benji Gregory, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the ’80s NBC sitcom “ALF,” passed away at the age of 46. His sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, confirmed that Gregory and his service dog were found deceased in a bank’s parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. Pfaffinger mentioned that Gregory battled with depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that caused him to stay awake for extended periods. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office is still investigating the cause of his death, although Pfaffinger suggested on Facebook that he may have succumbed to “vehicular heatstroke” after falling asleep in his car while attempting to deposit residual checks at the bank.
Born into an acting family in 1978, Gregory began his acting career at the age of 8 on “ALF.” Throughout his time on the show, he portrayed the character of Brian, known for protecting Lucky the cat from ALF’s antics and showcasing his talents by singing as an asparagus in a school play. Beyond “ALF,” Gregory appeared in various television shows and films in the ’80s and ’90s, such as “The A-Team,” “Punky Brewster,” “The Twilight Zone,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Fantastic Max.” After departing from the entertainment industry, Gregory joined the U.S. Navy in 2003, serving as an aerographer’s mate.
Reflecting on his time on “ALF,” Gregory expressed relief when the show was canceled, as he no longer wanted to pursue acting. Despite this, he cherished the experience and had no regrets. In a 2000 interview with People magazine, Gregory mentioned that it only felt like work when the lights were on and the set was hot. His unique journey from a child actor to a Navy serviceman showcased his versatility and commitment to pursuing different paths in life.