Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory Dead at 46
Originally appeared on E! Online
The world has lost a beloved actor.
Benji Gregory—who starred as Brian Tanner on all four seasons of ALF from 1986 to 1990—died on June 13 at age 46, according to Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office records reviewed by E! News.
His cause of death is pending, per officials.
The former child star—born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg—was found dead in his car at a parking lot of a bank in Peoria, Ariz., his sister Rebecca told TMZ on July 10.
Noting that Benji suffered from a sleep disorder, she said the family believes he went to the bank to deposit a check, but fell asleep in his car and died from vehicular heatstroke due to the rising summer temperatures.
Rebecca added that Benji's service dog Hans was also in car, with the pug passing away as well.
Benji often shared photos of Hans on his Instagram, where he wrote in his profile that he suffered from bipolar disorder and "major depression."
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"He gives me back so much love and tranquility," Benji wrote of Hans in a July 2022 post about taking him to the groomer, "so I don’t mind the little bit of extra chores he requires."
On the social media platform, Benji also often spoke about his acting past—and how he did not want to be only defined by his role on ALF, which costarred Max Wright, Anne Schedeen and Andrea Elson as a family harboring an alien in their home.
Last year, he resurfaced a scan of a 2000 copy of People, in which he said "it was a relief" that the series got canceled.
"I didn't want to do any more shows," he said at the time, "but I don't regret any of it."
In the article, Benji—whose childhood acting credits also included Punky Brewster, The Twilight Zone and Jumpin' Jack Flash—noted that he "wasn’t actively trying to act anymore."
"I’d like to work in the entertainment industry, but I’m not sure as what," Benji told the outlet. "Definitely not acting."
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