How did Benji Gregory die? 46-year-old 'ALF' star's family raises doubts

According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, Gregory died on June 13.

PUBLISHED JUL 11, 2024

(from left) A recent Instagram photo of Gregory who died at 46; his service dog Hans who also died; and Gregory as a child actor on the sets of 'ALF'.

Peoria, Arizona: Benji Gregory, the child actor who played Brian Tanner in the 80s sitcom 'Alf' has died at the age of 46. According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office, Gregory died on June 13.

While the cause of death has not yet been determined, some of Gregory's relatives told TMZ that they believe he may have died of heatstroke after depositing residual checks and falling asleep in his vehicle.

Gregory, the child actor who played Brian Tanner in the 80s sitcom 'Alf'. (Photo: NBC)

According to Gregory's sister Rebecca, he was found dead in his car in a bank parking lot in Peoria. She claimed he suffered from depression, bipolar disorder and sleep disturbances and added . She added that Gregory was with his service dog, a pug named Hans, who also died.

Gregory was born on May 26, 1978, in Panorama City, California, and was best-known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom ALF'. Gregory's career began in TV commercials and guest-starring roles on TV shows like 'Fantasy Island', 'The A-Team', and 'T.J. Hooker'. His big break came in 1986 when he was cast as the youngest member of the Tanner family on 'ALF', a role he played until the show ended in 1990.

Gregory was with his service dog, a pug named Hans, who also died. (Photo: Instagram)

After 'ALF', Gregory made a few more TV appearances, including guest roles on 'Punky Brewster' and 'The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!' By the early 1990s, he had stepped away from acting and attended the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Gregory always has maintained a low profile and enlisted in the US Navy in the late 1990s where he served as an Aerographer's Mate, specializing in meteorology and oceanography.