R.I.P. Benji Gregory, child star who portrayed Brian Tanner on ALF

After leaving the acting business, he served in the U.S. Navy. He was 46 years old.

The Everett Collection

Benji Gregory, most known for his role on the 1986 sitcom ALF, has passed away.

Before ALF, Gregory appeared in small roles across classic TV. He turned up in the A-Team episode "Hot Styles", which featured Markie Post as a guest star. The same year, he appeared on the William Shatner program. T.J. Hooker, in the episode "The Confession". He also had a two-episode role as orphan child Dash in Punky Brewster.

In 1986, he landed his most famous role, Brian Tanner on the sitcom ALF. Gregory was the youngest child of the family that takes in ALF after he crash-lands on Earth until the addition of a baby in the final episode of season three. Gregory appeared in all four seasons of the program, including the final episode "Consider Me Gone".

When ALF was cancelled, Gregory said that it was a relief, as he no longer wanted to act. Still, the young actor said he "didn't regret anything."

Gregory dabbled in voice work as well, providing the voice of Edgar the mole in the 1993 animated film Once Upon a Forest. He also voiced Biff Jr. in the animated Back to the Future series, based off the successful trilogy.

After leaving the acting industry, Gregory enrolled in the U.S. Navy where he served as an aerographer's mate, specializing in meteorology and oceanography. Gregory provided forecasts for aviation and nautical safety conditions. He was honorably discharged in 2005.

Per a Facebook post from Gregory's sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger, the family believes that Gregory, who had a sleep disorder, fell asleep in his car and suffered a heatstroke in Arizona.

The actor and veteran was 46 years old.

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16 Comments

gypsyofca 4 months ago
I never cared for the show but I'm sorry to hear that he died at such a young age. Prayers to his family.
CortneyNicole 4 months ago
He was one of the child star on the 80s sitcom ALF. RIP Benji Gregory 🕊 🙏🏼
Wiseguy70005 5 months ago
They specifically comment that he was on the final episode. He was a regular on the series for all four years. Why wouldn't he be on the final episode? It would have been more newsworthy if he hadn't been on the final episode. Perhaps the MeTV writer had a minimum-word requirement and had to add a few words.
Runeshaper 5 months ago
R.I.P. Benji Gregory. This so sad. He will forever be remembered on ALF.
KawiVulc 5 months ago
"Enlisted". Not "enrolled". But thanks for mentioning his service. RIP to a fellow vet of the Nav.
bmoore4026 5 months ago
He was only three years older than me :(
Sway 5 months ago
RIP Benji Gregory. Condolences to his family 🕊️
GioLovesMash 5 months ago
this menes that alf minyt come back on metv
327053 GioLovesMash 5 months ago
True, probably a memorial block. 🥺
GioLovesMash 327053 5 months ago
they have a binge on catchy comedy
jorel262 5 months ago
Very sad news. Thoughts and prayers for his friends and family.
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