R.I.P. Michu Meszaros of 'ALF'

The performer behind the costume died earlier today at the age of 76.

Vestron Pictures, Warner Bros. Pictures

Michu Meszaro, the 2-foot-9-inch man who once portrayed ALF, died Monday at the age of 76. 

Meszaro wore the extraterrestrial's costume during ALF's first season. Although a puppet was used most of the time, some scenes utilized a full body suit, especially ones in which the alien walked or stood upright.

Before the show's second season, the full body costume was scrapped due to time restrictions and the cost of Meszaro's services.

The self-described "smallest man in the world" was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1939. He performed for the Hungarian National Circus before coming to the United States in 1970s. 

"Life was very hard for me there," Meszaro told the LA Times. "The happiest day of my life was when I arrived at Kennedy Airport."

Not long after arriving, the performer joined the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, where he performed until 1985. The next year, Meszaro was tapped to play the beloved extraterrestrial. Meszaro became a U.S. citizen in 1990, a month after the show ended. 

Meszaro continued up until last year, despite suffering from a stroke in 2007. 

Meszaro's manager, Dennis Varga, told the website TMZ the performer was taken to the hospital last week after falling into a coma. 

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  • STUART NISBET, WHO APPEARED IN (ALMOST) EVERY TV SHOW
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