Benji Gregory, a former child actor who is well-known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom “ALF,” was found dead on June 13, 2024 in Peoria, Arizona. He was 46 years old.
Gregory’s body was discovered in his car in a bank parking lot, along with his service dog, Hans. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner has determined that the intense summer heat caused his death.
Gregory, whose legal name was Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, gained fame as a young boy when he starred in “ALF,” a popular NBC show about a family that takes in an alien life form. The show aired from 1986 to 1990, making Gregory a household name during its run. He was featured in other TV shows as well, including “The A-Team” and “Fantasy Island.”
Rebecca Pfaffinger, Gregory’s sister, told The New York Times that her brother’s body was found in his car in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria. He had apparently gone there to deposit some residual checks but never exited the vehicle. Pfaffinger mentioned that Gregory had been suffering from bipolar disorder and insomnia, and was often awake for days. “He fell asleep and died in his car. The heat that day was unbearable,” she said.
The high temperature in metro Phoenix reached 108°F (42.2°C) on the day of Gregory’s death, according to the National Weather Service. Arizona’s scorching summer temperatures have been known to pose severe risks, particularly to those left in vehicles.
Gregory was born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment industry. He began his career at a young age, appearing in several TV shows and commercials before landing the role on “ALF.” His early career included roles in “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Punky Brewster.” Despite his early success, Gregory left the entertainment industry in the early 2000s and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served as an aerographer’s mate, tracking weather patterns for aviation and nautical safety, before receiving an honorable medical discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s post-acting life was marked by his struggle with mental health issues. He was candid about his battles with depression and bipolar disorder, often discussing them in interviews and podcasts. In a 2021 interview, Gregory shared his hopes for a potential “ALF” reboot and his struggles with insomnia, which sometimes kept him awake for days on end. “I had great times and tough times, but I always tried to stay positive,” he said in the interview.
On social media, many shared their condolences and memories of the actor. His family requested that donations be made in Gregory’s memory to The Actors Equity Foundation or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Rebecca Pfaffinger expressed her gratitude for the support and kind words from the public. “We are grieving a great loss,” she said. “Benji was a loving son, brother, and uncle, and he will be dearly missed.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heatstroke can occur when the body overheats and cannot cool down, leading to a rapid increase in body temperature, confusion, and unconsciousness. It is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, experiences some of the highest temperatures in the United States during the summer months. The combination of high temperatures and enclosed spaces like cars can create life-threatening conditions within minutes. Authorities urge residents to be cautious and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, even for a short time.
