Benji Gregory, ALF Child Star, Dies at 46

Actor Benji Gregory, who rose to fame as a child star in the 1980s, has passed away. He was 46 years old.

Per TMZ, Gregory was found deceased on June 13, though word of his passing is just now starting to hit the press. His death was confirmed by his sister, Rebecca, who shared that Gregory was discovered dead in car parked at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. Also found dead in the car was Gregory’s service dog, Hans. The actor’s cause of death is still pending, according to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office.

While the cause of Gregory’s death hasn’t been confirmed, those close to him have offered a theory to TMZ. Rebecca said that Gregory suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that would sometimes keep him awake for days at a time. It is believed that Gregory traveled to the bank to deposit residual checks before falling asleep in his car, with the ALF actor and his dog ultimately succumbing to vehicular heatstroke.

Gregory’s sister has offered thanks and appreciation for the support the family has been receiving at this difficult time. For anyone looking to offer more help, she has suggested donations be made in Gregory’s name to either The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA, two causes that were important to the actor.

Gregory comes from a family of entertainers, as his father, uncle, and sister wer eall actors as well. His grandmother also served as his agent. As an actor, Gregory may be best known for playing middle child Brian Tanner on the 80s television series ALF. He appeared in more than 100 episodes on the show, which aired from 1986 to 1990.

Gregory was born on May 26, 1978. He’d go on to become a child star, and while ALF is his most well-known role, Gregory was also seen in several other big-name TV shows of the 1980s. This includes roles in The A-Team, Fantastic Max, Pound Puppies, Murphy Brown, Fantasy Island, T.J. Hooker, The Twilight Zone, Amazing Stories, and Mr. Boogedy. Gregory also appeared in the feature films Jumpin’ Jack Flash and Once Upon a Forest.

Beyond his acting work, Gregory had also served in the U.S. Navy. After enlisting in 2003, he was later given an honorable medical discharge in 2005. He was married in 2006 following the completion of his military service.

Source: TMZ