In a shocking and unexpected turn of events, the world has been struck by the untimely death of Benji Gregory, a popular actor from the cult 1980s sitcom ALF.
Known for his role as the witty and endearing Brian Tanner, Gregory’s passing at just 46 has left fans and loved ones in disbelief. While the cause of his death is not immediately clear, the details surrounding his death, discovered in the car along with a service dog, have raised questions.
His family understandably chose to keep the news private for some time, processing their grief in silence. As we now reflect on his legacy, we’re reminded of the lasting impact Gregory and ALF had on television history and pop culture and the mysteries that sometimes surround even the brightest stars.
Benji Gregory, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the hit 1980s sitcom ALF, has died aged 46. His death was confirmed by his sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, who said Benji and his service dog were found dead in his car on June 13 in the parking lot of a bank in Peoria, Arizona. According to his sister, his crash was caused by heatstroke after he fell asleep in the vehicle. The family decided to keep the news private at first to give him time to grieve.
Gregory’s role as Brian Tanner, the younger brother and close friend of the alien “lifeform” ALF, made him a familiar face on the NBC show, which aired from 1986 to 1990. The show followed the Tanner family as they welcomed a malevolent alien into their home, mixing humor and sci-fi in a way that became iconic for the era. Although the show ended in 1990, ALF remains a significant part of 1980s pop culture.
In 2014, the show’s legacy was revisited in a RadioShack Super Bowl commercial featuring ALF alongside other 80’s icons. That same year, ALF appeared in a Delta Airlines in-flight safety video.
Although ALF may not have been considered prestige television, it certainly built a loyal fan base. Despite some critics dismissing the show as a “gimmick”, there was no shortage of nostalgia for the series.
Thomas Cannavo, a longtime fan from Jackson, New Jersey, maintained an ALF fan group for years, and in 1997 a bar named after the show was discovered in Sarajevo. Gregory himself revealed in a 2022 interview that a significant portion of the fan mail he received came from Germany.
Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg on May 26, 1978, I n Los Angeles, Gregory began his career as a child actor with roles in commercials before landing his breakthrough role on ALF. Raised in Thousand Oaks, California, Gregory also appeared on several other popular television shows in the 1980s, including Punky Brewster, Amazing Stories, and The A-Team. Additionally, he appeared in the 1986 film Jumpin’ Jack Flash and the 1993 animated film Once Upon a Forest.
After his acting career, Gregory joined the Navy in his 20s, serving as a meteorologist on an aircraft carrier before being honorably discharged. His sister mentioned that he had struggled with depression and bipolar disorder throughout his life and was often open about his mental health struggles on social media. Gregory also had a history of addiction, which he shared in his YouTube videos, including mentioning actor Max Wright, who played his father on ALF and died in 2019.
Gregory is survived by his mother Patty Golightly, father Gary Hertzberg, stepfather Hal Golightly, stepmother Judy Hertzberg and siblings. His death marks the end of an era for ALF fans and the star who brought warmth and humor to their screens.
Benji Gregory’s death aged 46 marks the end of an era for ALF fans and a beloved character on 1980s TV. His portrayal of Brian Tanner, the quirky and loyal younger brother of an alien life form, left an indelible mark on the hearts of viewers and secured his place in pop culture history. Although his career evolved outside of acting, his impact as part of the iconic sitcom will be fondly remembered by fans around the world.
Gregory’s life has not been without challenges as he has faced personal challenges, including mental health issues and addiction, but he has remained open about his journey and offered insight and understanding to others facing similar battles. His contributions to television, his heartfelt interactions with fans, and his honesty about his own experiences will continue to resonate with those who admired him on and off screen.
When we remember Benji Gregory, we celebrate his legacy not just as a child star, but as someone who made a lasting impact on the world around him. His memory, like ALF’s, will live on in the hearts of fans and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of fame, the passage of time, and the importance of mental health awareness.