Benji Gregory, a cherished star from our childhood television screens, has tragically passed away at the age of 46.
According to TMZ, Gregory was discovered lifeless in his car, parked outside a Chase Bank in Peoria, Arizona on June 13.
It’s believed by those close to him that he was at the bank to deposit checks and may have dozed off in his vehicle.
On the preceding day, Arizona temperatures soared to a scorching 109 degrees.
Heartbreakingly, TMZ also reported that Gregory’s service dog, Hans, was found deceased alongside him.
The cause of death, as confirmed by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office to ABC7 Los Angeles, is still under investigation.
Rebecca Hertzberg, Gregory’s older sister, shared with TMZ that he struggled with mental health issues including depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder that could keep him awake for extended periods.
Famously, Gregory captured hearts as Brian Tanner on the hit show ALF, appearing in 101 episodes from 1986 to 1990.
Reflecting on his experiences, Gregory once told People, “The only times it felt like work was when the lights were on, and it was real hot.”
The story of ALF starts with the titular ‘Alien Life Form’ crash-landing into the garage of the unsuspecting Tanner family, a narrative brought to life by Paul Fusco, who co-created the series with Tom Patchett.
Beyond ALF, Gregory’s career included roles on iconic shows like The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, Fantasy Island, and The Twilight Zone during the ’80s and ’90s.
Additionally, his voice brought to life many characters in animated series, most notably Ben in Fantastic Max.
Gregory’s appearances weren’t limited to acting; he also appeared as himself in The More You Know, competed on the children’s game show I’m Telling!, and made a cameo in Fun House.
Despite his early fame, Gregory chose to leave Hollywood and enlisted in the US Navy in 2003, where he trained as an aerographer’s mate specializing in meteorology and oceanography.
His skills were crucial in providing accurate weather forecasts and warnings to ensure safety in aviation and marine operations.
The news of Gregory’s passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes on social media, with fans and friends expressing their condolences and sharing fond memories of the actor.
One person shared, “Condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Another reminisced, “Sad to hear, that was a great show. RIP.”
A third added a personal anecdote, “This hurts. Benji Gregory was a sweet, down to earth child actor and when us teens were partying, he was a straight edged skater. I’ll never forget he wrote in my yearbook ‘Hope you become Miss America someday’.”