Benji Gregory, the former child actor recognized for his role as Brian Tanner in the 1980s sitcom “ALF,” was discovered dead in Peoria, Arizona on June 13, 2024. He was 46 years old.
Gregory’s body was located in his vehicle in a bank parking lot, along with his service dog, Hans. Although the cause of death is still under scrutiny, police have suggested that the severe summer heat may have contributed to his death.
Gregory, born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, attained fame as a youngster with his role in “ALF,” a popular NBC show featuring a family that adopts an alien life form. The show ran from 1986 to 1990 and catapulted Gregory to fame. He also appeared in other TV shows including “The A-Team” and “Fantasy Island.”
Rebecca Pfaffinger, Gregory’s sister, informed The New York Times that her brother’s body was found in his vehicle in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. According to her, Gregory had gone there to deposit some residual checks but never left his car. Gregory had been struggling with bipolar disorder and insomnia, and often stayed awake for days, according to Pfaffinger. “He fell asleep and died in his car. The heat that day was unbearable,” she stated.
On the day of Gregory’s death, the maximum temperature in metro Phoenix hit 108°F, as per the National Weather Service. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has yet to determine the exact cause of Gregory’s death, but heatstroke is believed to be a likely factor. Arizona’s blistering summer temperatures are notorious for posing severe risks, particularly to those left in vehicles.
Gregory was born into a family with a strong presence in the entertainment industry. He started his career early, featuring in several TV shows and commercials before he landed his role in “ALF.” His early career also included roles in “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Punky Brewster.” Despite early success, Gregory left the entertainment industry in the early 2000s to join the U.S. Navy. He served as an aerographer’s mate, monitoring weather patterns for aviation and nautical safety, until he was honorably medically discharged in 2005.
Gregory’s life after acting was marked by his battles with mental health. He was open about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, often discussing them in interviews and on podcasts. In a 2021 interview, Gregory expressed his hopes for a possible “ALF” reboot and shared his struggles with insomnia, which sometimes kept him awake for prolonged periods. “I had great times and tough times, but I always tried to stay positive,” he stated during the interview.
On social media, many expressed their condolences and shared memories of the actor. Gregory’s family has asked for donations to be made in his memory to The Actors Equity Foundation or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
“We are grieving a great loss,” said Rebecca Pfaffinger, expressing her gratitude for the public’s support and kind words. “Benji was a loving son, brother, and uncle, and he will be dearly missed.”
Heatstroke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, can occur when the body overheats and cannot cool down. This leads to a rapid increase in body temperature, confusion, and unconsciousness. It is a severe condition that can be fatal if not promptly treated.
Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences some of the highest temperatures in the United States during the summer. The mix of high temperatures and confined spaces like cars can create life-threatening conditions within minutes. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution and avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, even for a brief period.
