Benji Gregory Passes Away: ‘ALF’ Child Star, Aged 46

Benji Gregory, known for his role as Brian Tanner on the popular 1980s sitcom “ALF,” has passed away at the age of 46.

According to his sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, Gregory and his service dog were tragically found deceased in his car on June 13, 2024, in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona.

The family suspects Gregory may have fallen asleep, leading to what appears to be vehicular heatstroke as the cause of death, pending official confirmation.

Gregory’s portrayal of Brian Tanner endeared him to audiences in “ALF,” a sitcom about an alien living with a suburban family.

His performance was a highlight of his acting career, which also included guest appearances on shows like “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The Twilight Zone” during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Beyond television roles, Gregory lent his voice to animated series such as “Fantastic Max,” where he voiced the character Ben. He also appeared in educational programs like “The More You Know” and game shows like “I’m Telling!” and “Fun House.”

After leaving Hollywood, Gregory pursued a different path, enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 2003. He served as an aerographer’s mate, specializing in meteorology and oceanography, providing critical forecasts and warnings for aviation and nautical safety.

Gregory served aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) before receiving an honorable medical discharge in 2005. He married Sarah Gregory in 2006, shortly after completing his military service.

Reflecting on his time in “ALF,” Gregory once shared, “The only times it felt like work was when the lights were on, and it was real hot.” Despite the challenges, he expressed no regrets about his acting career, emphasizing that he found relief when the show concluded.

Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg on May 26, 1978, in Encino, California, Gregory hailed from a family with a background in acting, including his father, uncle, and sister. He studied film at the Academy of Art College, showcasing a lifelong passion for the entertainment industry.