Benji Gregory, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the iconic sitcom *ALF* (1986-1990), has died aged 46.
His sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, confirmed his death, saying that on June 13, Gregory and his service dog were found dead in his car in the parking lot of a bank in Peoria, Arizona.
The family decided to delay the announcement to allow them to grieve, and Rebecca later shared on Facebook that he died of heat stroke after falling asleep in the car.
Gregory rose to fame portraying Brian Tanner, the younger brother and best friend of ALF, an alien life form adopted by the Tanner family in the sitcom. Although the show ended in 1990, *ALF* remained a beloved part of 1980s pop culture.
In 2014, RadioShack referenced the show in a Super Bowl ad where a character jokingly remarked that they “called the ’80s; they want their store back” as ALF and other 80s icons ransacked the store. ALF also appeared in a Delta in-flight safety video that same year.
While *ALF* has often been considered more of a quirky family TV show than prestige television, it has still garnered a devoted fan base. Thomas Cannavo, a New Jersey resident, maintained an *ALF* fan group for many years, and in 1997 shared how his wife was worried he might name their newborn child after the show’s character. Gregory himself recalled receiving a lot of fan mail from Germany, with a large percentage of his fan mail coming from there.
Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg on May 26, 1978 in Los Angeles, Gregory began his career as a child actor, appearing in commercials before landing roles in various television series including *Amazing Stories*, *Punky Brewster* and *The A- Team*. His film appearances included the 1986 comedy *Jumpin’ Jack Flash* starring Whoopi Goldberg and the 1993 animated film *Once Upon a Forest*. In his 20s, Gregory left acting to serve in the Navy as an aircraft meteorologist ship from which he was honorably discharged. He later married and divorced in the service.
Gregory struggled with depression and bipolar disorder, both of which he received treatment for throughout his life. He has been open about his struggles with mental health and addiction and has shared his experiences on social media. He also mentioned in a YouTube interview that he kept in touch with Max Wright, who played his father on *ALF* and passed away in 2019.
He is survived by his mother Patty Golightly, father Gary Hertzberg, stepfather Hal Golightly, stepmother Judy Hertzberg and a sibling.
Benji Gregory’s departure marks the end of an era for *ALF* fans and those who grew up with the beloved sitcom. Although the show ended decades ago, Gregory’s portrayal of Brian Tanner remains a cherished memory for many. His death at such a young age is a tragic reminder of the fragility of life and the often unseen battles that people face even when they seem to have everything in front of them.
Gregory’s legacy will live on through his work on television, his openness about his struggles with mental health, and his role in one of the most memorable sitcoms of the 1980s. He brought warmth, humor and heart to the character of Brian Tanner, and his impact still resonates with those who remember the show fondly.
His honesty about his own personal struggles has also contributed to the ongoing conversation about mental health and addiction, offering inspiration and comfort to others facing similar issues.
When we remember Benji Gregory, we honor not only his acting career, but also his courage to share his own story. His contributions to the world of entertainment and the love he shared with his fans will not be forgotten. May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the memories of a life lived with passion and sincerity.