The entertainment world mourns the loss of Benji Gregory, famous for his role as Brian Tanner on the TV series ALF. The former child star was found dead in his car in Arizona, as announced on July 11. He was 46 years old.
By Julian James
Rise to Fame
Benji Gregory, born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, gained widespread fame through his role in ALF, which aired from 1986 to 1990. He portrayed Brian Tanner, one of the family members hosting the alien ALF. Besides ALF, Benji appeared in other well-known productions like Punky Brewster, The Twilight Zone, and Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Despite his early success, Benji chose not to continue his acting career after ALF ended.
Circumstances of His Death
According to his family, Benji suffered from a sleep disorder. On June 13, he was found dead in his car in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. The family believes he went to the bank to deposit a check and fell asleep in his car. Given the summer temperatures, it is suspected that Benji died from heatstroke. His loyal companion, a pug named Hans, who frequently appeared on Benji’s Instagram, also passed away in the car.
Life After ALF
Following the conclusion of ALF, Benji largely withdrew from the acting industry. In a 2000 interview with People, he expressed relief at the show’s cancellation, noting that he did not want to pursue further acting projects. He mentioned that while he was interested in working in the entertainment industry, he preferred roles behind the scenes rather than in front of the camera. This decision was partly to avoid being typecast as his character from ALF.
Personal Life and Health
Benji Gregory was open about his struggles with bipolar disorder and major depression, which he shared on his Instagram profile. His dog Hans provided him with significant emotional support, bringing love and tranquility to his life. In a 2022 post, Benji wrote that he did not mind the extra care Hans required because of the immense joy the dog brought him. Despite his health issues, Benji remained active on social media, sharing insights into his life and thoughts.
The passing of Benji Gregory has deeply affected many fans and former colleagues. His talent and candidness about his personal struggles have left a lasting impression. The circumstances of his death highlight the dangers of sleep disorders and the risks associated with extreme temperatures, particularly in areas like Arizona.
Based on content from www.eonline.com