Benji Gregory - Kinderstar from 'Alf', aged 46, passed away
Mourning Benji Gregory (1978-2024): The former child star, who gained fame through his role as Brian Tanner in the once popular Sitcom "Alf," is dead. The actor was found dead in his car on the parking lot of a bank in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13. His sister Rebecca confirmed the news to US-celebrity portal "TMZ". He was only 46 years old.
Psychological Issues and Insomnia
According to a report, the Maricopa County Court was able to confirm the death date, but the cause of death remains unclear. As Gregory's sister told "TMZ," her brother suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, and insomnia, which kept him awake for days at a time.
The family suspects, according to the report, that the actor fell asleep in his car and died due to the high temperatures from a heatstroke. His dog was also found dead in the car.
Benji Gregory was born on May 26, 1978, in Encino, Los Angeles, into a family of actors. He appeared in over 100 episodes as the young Brian in the Sitcom "Alf." At the age of seven, he made his first appearance in front of the camera for the series. "Alf" was first aired in the USA in 1986, in Germany two years later.
What came after "Alf"?
After the series ended in 1990, he focused on some smaller television roles, such as in "The Forgotten" (1991) or "Murphy Brown" (1991). He also had voice roles in "Fantastic Max" (1988) and "Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers" (1993). In the early 2000s, he turned his back on acting and joined the US Navy. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2005 due to health issues.
He leaves behind his wife, whom he married in 2006. The couple lived in Arizona.
- Despite the tragic news of Benji Gregory's passing, his role as Brian Tanner in the situation comedy "Alf" will always be remembered, entertaining audiences with its mix of comedy and drama for several years, airing first in the USA in 1986 and later in Germany.
- Following the conclusion of "Alf" in 1990, Benji Gregory ventured into smaller television roles, including appearances in "The Forgotten" and "Murphy Brown," as well as voice roles in "Fantastic Max" and "Chip 'n' Dale: Rescue Rangers."
- In a heartbreaking turn of events, Benji Gregory's sister shared with TMZ that while driving in his car in Arizona, the actor, who struggled with depression, bipolar disorder, and insomnia, may have fallen asleep and succumbed to a heatstroke, leaving both him and his dog deceased in the sweltering vehicle.
