ormer child star Benji Gregory—and his dog—have tragically passed away, found in heartbreaking circumstances that have left fans and loved ones in deep sorrow.
Many mourn the loss of Benji Gregory of the iconic 1980s sitcom “ALF,” and the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to determine the exact cause of death.
Fan comment about Benji Gregory’s death in Peoria, Arizona, posted in July 2024. | Source: Facebook/TMZ
According to TMZ, he was found dead in his car at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13. He was 46 years old.
It is believed he succumbed to vehicular heatstroke caused by Arizona’s intense summer heat. The former child star’s service dog, Hans, also died.
Benji’s sister, Rebecca, reportedly revealed that he suffered from bipolar disorder, depression, and a sleep disorder that often kept him awake for days. She suggested he might have gone to the bank to deposit residual checks on June 12, fallen asleep in his car, and tragically died.
Fans and netizens reacted with sorrow and condolences. One user wrote of Benji’s passing, “Very very sad..may he rest in peace,” while another commented, “Wow. Way too young.”
Messages of sympathy and memories of Benji’s role on “ALF” poured in, highlighting the lasting impact he had on viewers. “That makes me so sad,” echoed another, while one stated, “SO SAD RIP THOUGHTS WITH FAMILY FRIENDS 🙏🙏🙏💔.”
More netizens expressed sadness, “Omg I watch ALF every week. RIP, [sic]” another noted, “So sad! RIP. That show was one of my faves.”
Born on May 26, 1978, Benji skyrocketed to fame as Brian Tanner on the sitcom “ALF,” which aired from 1986 to 1990. He came from a family of actors but admitted that he didn’t enjoy acting.
After “ALF,” he shifted to voice-over work, saying, “I was in a lot of stupid cartoons … Voice-overs are easy, and I wasn’t actively trying to act anymore.”
Andrea Elson, Anne Schedeen, and Benji Gregory attend the 13th Annual People’s Choice Awards at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in California on March 15, 1987. | Source: Getty Images
He began studying at the Academy of Art in San Francisco but soon discovered he preferred the military. In 2004, Benji joined the Navy and served as an aerographer’s mate, receiving an honorable discharge in 2005. He pursued various careers before settling in Arizona with his wife, Sarah.
Rebecca shared the family’s deep grief and gratitude for the support they’ve received. She suggested donations in her brother’s name to The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA, causes he deeply cared about.
