The poor man suffered for years… The Curse of the child actor continues…
Former child star Benji Gregory, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the beloved 80s sitcom “ALF,” tragically passed away at the age of 46. Gregory was discovered in his car with his service dog Hans in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13.
According to his sister Rebecca, Gregory battled depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that often left him awake for days. It’s believed that on June 12, Gregory went to the bank to deposit residual checks and fell asleep in his car, succumbing to vehicular heatstroke. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner has yet to confirm the official cause of death.
‘Alf’ child star Benji Gregory dead at 46 after being found in car https://t.co/bRRfbIIUNJ
— Aiman Manan (@aimanmanan439) July 11, 2024
“ALF,” which aired for four seasons from 1986 to 1990, was a hit NBC sitcom centered around the Tanner family, who took in an alien life form (ALF) after it crash-landed in their garage. The series starred Max Wright, Anne Schedeen, Andrea Elson, and featured Gregory as the young son, Brian Tanner. The show’s comedic premise revolved around the family’s attempts to keep ALF hidden from nosy neighbors and government officials.
Gregory’s career began at a young age. Born in Los Angeles in 1978 into a family of actors, he quickly made a name for himself in television. Aside from his iconic role on “ALF,” Gregory appeared in several popular TV shows of the time, including “Fantastic Max,” “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “The Twilight Zone.” He also had a recurring role on “Punky Brewster” as an orphan named Dash and appeared in the 1986 feature film “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
Despite his early success, Gregory stepped away from acting in 2003 and joined the US Navy. He served aboard the USS Carl Vinson but received an honorable medical discharge in 2005. Gregory married Sarah in 2006, though it remains unclear if they were still together at the time of his death.
ALF child star Benji Gregory found dead, aged 46 https://t.co/7NNqhYzhBg
— Independent Arts (@IndyArts) July 11, 2024
Rebecca Gregory has encouraged those wishing to honor her brother’s memory to make donations to The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA, reflecting his lifelong love for the arts and animals.
Gregory’s untimely death has saddened fans and the entertainment community, reminding many of his talent and the joy he brought to “ALF” viewers. His life, marked by both triumphs and struggles, serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by former child stars. I feel sad whenever I see child stars now even now. Knowing that it is rare for them to be well adjusted, the price of fame at such an early age is too much to allow in my opinion. As a parent, I would not allow my child to become a child star. No matter how much money is offered.
Key Points:
- Benji Gregory, former child star of “ALF,” died at age 46 in a car with his service dog, likely from vehicular heatstroke.
- Gregory battled depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder, according to his sister Rebecca.
- “ALF,” the sitcom that made Gregory famous, aired from 1986 to 1990 and featured him as Brian Tanner.
- Gregory transitioned from acting to the US Navy in 2003, serving until an honorable medical discharge in 2005.
- His sister suggests donations to The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA in his memory.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
