Benji Gregory, Former Child Star of ‘ALF’, Passed Away at 46

Benji Gregory, fondly remembered for his role as a child actor in the 1980s hit sitcom ‘ALF’, has tragically passed away at the age of 46. The sad event occurred as Benji was found unresponsive in his car in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13th. The temperatures that day soared nearly to 43°C, and it is believed that heatstroke was the cause of his untimely demise.

Remembering Benji: A Sister’s Loving Tribute

His sister, Rebecca Hertzbert-Pfaffinger, expressed her sorrow on Facebook, saying, “Ben was a great Son, Brother, and Uncle. He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often.” Reflecting on the memories she found in his belongings, she added, “Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying.”

According to his sister, Benji and his faithful service dog, Hans, were supposed to visit a bank to deposit some residuals but tragically never made it inside. Instead, it’s believed that Benji fell asleep in the car, which led to his passing.

Rebecca also revealed that her brother struggled with mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and depression, and suffered from a sleep disorder that could keep him awake for days. Despite these challenges, Benji’s charm and smile never faded, especially when in front camaras or with family.

More Than Just Brian Tanner

Benji’s fame peaked when he took on the role of Brian Tanner on ‘ALF’, which aired from 1986 to 1990. In the series, Brian becomes close friends with ALF, the sarcastic extra-terrestrial who crashes into his family’s garage. The character ALF, short for Alien Life Form, quickly becomes an integral, albeit often troublesome, part of the Tanner family.

‘ALF’ wasn’t Benji’s only screen appearance. His talent also shone through in other TV shows including ‘The A-Team’, ‘T.J. Hooker’, and ‘Punky Brewster’. He also made an appearance in the 1986 film ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’, starring alongside Whoopi Goldberg.

Benji’s role in ‘ALF’ not only marked an era in television history but also left an indelible mark on pop culture. His ability to embody his character and connect with the audience made him a beloved figure among fans across generations.

Beyond his acting, those close to Benji remembered him for his warm spirit and quick humor which brought laughter to everyone around him. His passing is a significant loss to both his family and fans who continue to cherish the joy he brought into their lives through his performances.

His sister’s revelation about Benji’s health struggles has resonated with many, sparking conversations about the importance of mental health awareness and support. Her candidness provides crucial insight into the pressures and challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry, particularly those who attain fame at a young age.