It is with a heavy heart that we report the untimely passing of Benji Gregory, the child actor who captivated audiences in the 1980s as Brian Tanner on the beloved TV series “ALF.”
Gregory, who was just 46 years old, was found dead in his car in Arizona, along with his loyal service dog, Hans. The news of his sudden and tragic demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left fans of the iconic sitcom mourning the loss of a beloved childhood icon.
Born on May 26, 1978, in Los Angeles, Benji Gregory began his acting career at a very young age, making appearances on various television shows such as “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” “Punky Brewster,” and “The Twilight Zone.” However, it was his role as Brian Tanner on the hit series “ALF” that truly cemented his place in television history.
“ALF” (short for Alien Life Form) was a beloved sitcom that aired from 1986 to 1990, captivating audiences with its quirky and endearing storylines. Benji Gregory’s portrayal of Brian Tanner, the youngest member of the Tanner family who befriended the wisecracking alien, was a standout performance that left an indelible mark on the show’s legions of fans.
After the conclusion of “ALF,” Gregory continued to lend his voice to the entertainment industry, voicing the character of Edgar the Mole in the 1993 animated feature “Once Upon a Forest.” However, in the early 2000s, Gregory decided to step away from the spotlight and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served until 2005 when he received an honorable medical discharge.
According to the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office, Benji Gregory passed away on June 13, 2024. The exact cause of his death is still under investigation, but the news of his passing, along with the death of his beloved service dog, Hans, has left his fans and former colleagues deeply saddened.
Since the news of his death, fans have been flooding social media with heartfelt tributes and fond memories of Benji Gregory’s time on “ALF.” Many have expressed their shock and disbelief at the untimely nature of his passing, and have shared their condolences with his family and friends.
Benji Gregory’s portrayal of Brian Tanner on “ALF” will forever be etched in the memories of those who grew up watching the beloved sitcom. His ability to capture the innocence and charm of a young boy navigating the challenges of having an extraterrestrial roommate endeared him to audiences worldwide. Though his life was cut short, Benji Gregory’s legacy as a talented child actor and beloved television icon will continue to inspire and captivate generations to come.
The passing of Benji Gregory is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and the legions of fans who grew up with “ALF.” His untimely demise, along with the tragic death of his loyal companion, Hans, serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the memories and moments we have with our loved ones. As we mourn the loss of this beloved actor, we must also celebrate the indelible mark he left on our hearts and minds through his unforgettable portrayal of Brian Tanner.
