Benji Gregory, a former child actor who starred in the 1980s comedy “Alf,” has died. He was 46.
Benji Gregory’s sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, informed the New York Times that Benji Gregory and his assistance dog were discovered dead in his car on June 13 in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. Hertzberg-Pfaffinger also shared the news on Facebook on Wednesday, stating that the family believes Benji Gregory fell asleep and “died from vehicular heatstroke.” She informed the New York Times that the formal cause of death is still being determined.
Benji Gregory played Brian Tanner, the Tanner family’s youngest kid, in the film “Alf,” about an extraterrestrial living with a suburban family. Despite his most well-known and respected work, Benji Gregory had multiple guest appearances in several TV programs during the 1980s and early 1990s, including “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Fantasy Island,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
But his television appearances were not restricted to physical labor. He has also voiced several characters in animated shows, most notably Ben in “Fantastic Max.” Benji Gregory also played himself in the PSA television series “The More You Know,” the children’s game program “I’m Telling!” and an episode of “Fun House.“
Following his early acting success, Gregory left Hollywood to pursue other interests, including a service in the United States Navy. He joined in 2003 and graduated as an aerographer’s mate, concentrating in meteorology and oceanography. He used his knowledge to issue forecasts and cautions for aviation and maritime safety.
Benji Gregory served on the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) throughout his navy career. In 2005, he obtained an honorable medical release from the Navy, and he married Sarah Gregory shortly after leaving the service in 2006.
Benji Gregory was interviewed by People in 2000, and he remarked on his work in “Alf,” noting, “The only times it felt like work were when the lights were on, and it was really hot.” He went on to say that he recalls “climbing under the stage and messing around with the staff.”
Though he said it was a “relief” when “Alf” was canceled since he no longer wanted to act, he also stated that he “didn’t regret any of it.”
Benji Gregory was born on May 26, 1978, in Encino, California, as Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg. His father, uncle, and sister, Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, were all performers, and his grandmother served as his agent. He studied cinema at the Academy of Art College.
