Benji Gregory, the child star of ‘Alf,’ has been found dead aged 46. He played the role of Brian Tanner on 101 episodes of the show that aired from ’86 to ’90.
The news of Gregory’s tragic passing has been confirmed by members of the family.
According to his sister, Rebecca, Gregory reportedly went to the bank on June 12 to deposit residual checks, but he fell asleep in his car and died of heat stroke. His dog, Hans, was found dead too. The location, as per TMZ, was the parking lot of a Chase Bank.
Rebecca also opened up about her brother’s personal struggles with depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep condition that often kept him awake for days on end.
“It is with a heavy heart my family has suffered a loss way too early,” Rebecca wrote on Facebook.
“Ben was a great Son, Brother and Uncle. He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often. Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying,” she added.
“My brother Ben was found in his car, along with his beloved service dog Hans, deceased on June 13.”
Following his sudden passing, fans flocked to social media to share their condolences and heartbreak over the loss of both the actor and his dog.
“RIP Ben. RIP Hans. My sincere condolences to your loved ones,” a fan commented.
“Rest in Peace to both Benji Gregory and Hans as they travel across the rainbow bridge together. The next time I watch ALF, the laughs will be mixed with tears,” someone wrote on X.
“Sad to see this. Thanks for the memories! RIP Benji Gregory,” another wrote.
In 2004, Gregory joined the Navy as an aerographer’s mate and was honorably discharged in 2005. He then pursued multiple career paths before settling in Arizona with his wife, Sarah.
Before landing the role in ALF, Gregory, whose grandmother served as his agent, appeared in several TV shows including Fantasy Island, TJ Hooker and The Twilight Zone.
He also voiced Edgar the Mole in the animated film Once Upon a Forest, among the rest.
Rebecca suggested donations in her brother’s name to The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA, causes he deeply cared about.
May he rest in peace.