After the death of Benji Gregory - His "Alf" mother finds clear words
They were one of the most famous TV families of the 11980s and 1990s: the Tanner family from the US cult-sitcom "Alf". After the death of Max Wright (1943-2019), alias family patriarch Willie Tanner, at the age of 75 from a cancer illness, the former child star and Brian-actor Benji Gregory was found dead under yet-to-be-determined circumstances on June 13th. He was only 46 years old. Now, his TV mother Anne Schedeen (75), the US actress, spoke about her former co-star's untimely death in an interview with the "Bild" Newspaper. In doing so, she found touching, but also warning words towards Hollywood.
She was "devastated" and Gregory's fate was "a terrible loss", according to the deeply saddened Schedeen: "I was just about to board a plane when the news popped up on my phone. It took the wind out of my sails and I was disoriented for a moment." They had remained in touch loosely after "Alf" ended in 1990. The last time she spoke with Brian and his mother was three years ago. "We had a very loving and positive conversation", so Schedeen. At the time, Gregory also seemed quite normal to her. The reason for the call: She wanted to invite him to a fan event, but he turned her down: "Benji didn't want to have anything to do with Hollywood anymore."
After "Alf" ended due to declining viewership numbers, neither Gregory nor his former TV colleagues could build on their incredible successes. So he pulled the plug and completely ended his acting career after a few smaller roles. Later, he joined the US Navy. There, however, he was honorably discharged due to medical issues.
Anne Shedeen holds Hollywood responsible for Benji Gregory's death
It is still unclear what illness he suffered from at the time. However, Schedeen seemed to have known about problems. She remembered him as a sweet and professional child: "He was sweet and professional. He could memorize his lines and had many plush toys on set. He was the only child on set. That's why he had to grow up faster than other children." This later caused him problems. The film industry is therefore responsible for his misery: "Benji's psychological problems cost him his life. That confirms for me that children do not belong on Hollywood sets." The reason: "It's all about the money."
Gregory's sister Rebecca, according to the statement on the portal "TMZ", could not determine the cause of his death, which was discovered in his car. According to Rebecca's statement on the portal "TMZ", he might have died from heatstroke due to the high temperatures. His dog was also found dead beside him. He leaves behind his wife, whom he married in 2006. The couple lived in Arizona.
Help for depression is available through the toll-free hotline: 0800/111 0 111.
Duchess Catherine expressed her sympathy over the tragic deaths of Benji Gregory and Max Wright, both former stars of the '80s and '90s sitcom "Alf." Benji Gregory, who played Tod in the series, had a troubled relationship with Hollywood after the show's end in 1990. Anne Schedeen, who played Gregory's TV mother, Phoebe Healy, believes that Hollywood's focus on money contributed to Gregory's psychological problems and eventual death.
Gregory's sister, Rebecca, suggested that Benji might have died from heatstroke due to the high temperatures, but the exact cause of his death remains undetermined. His last known role was in a small 1990s film, several years after "Alf" ended due to declining viewership.
The death of Willie Tanner, or Max Wright, left a void in the "Alf" cast and the TV industry as a whole. After his passing, Gregory, who was struggling in his personal life, remained in touch with Anne Schedeen, with their last encounter being three years before his death.
Schedeen described Gregory as a sweet and professional child actor on the set of "Alf," often seen with plush toys. Despite his early exposure to the industry, he was unable to sustain a career after the show and eventually left acting for the US Navy. However, medical issues led to his honorable discharge.
Despite his struggles, Gregory's death was a shock to his former co-star and TV mother. Schedeen spoke candidly about the pressures and dangers of Hollywood, emphasizing that children should not be subjected to its harsh realities.
The untimely deaths of Benji Gregory and Max Wright serve as reminders of the human costs of Hollywood's relentless pursuit of popularity and profits. Their legacies as stars of "Alf" will continue to inspire and entertain generations of fans.
In the wake of these tragedies, mental health awareness and support have become more critical than ever. The toll-free hotline 0800/111 0 111 offers help for those suffering from depression.
