Benji Gregory, a former child star recognized for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom “ALF,” was discovered dead on June 13, 2024, in Peoria, Arizona. He was 46 years old.
His body was found in his vehicle in a bank parking lot, alongside his service dog, Hans. While the cause of death is still under investigation, local authorities suspect that the extreme summer temperature might have been a contributing factor.
Legally named Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, the actor rose to prominence as a child for his role in “ALF,” an NBC show about a family harboring an extraterrestrial being. The show, which was on air from 1986 to 1990, made Gregory a familiar name. He also featured in other television shows, including “The A-Team” and “Fantasy Island.”
Rebecca Pfaffinger, Gregory’s sister, revealed to The New York Times that Gregory’s body was found in his vehicle in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. He had reportedly gone there to deposit some residual checks but never left the car. Pfaffinger also revealed that Gregory had been battling bipolar disorder and insomnia, often staying awake for days.
According to the National Weather Service, the temperature in metro Phoenix hit 108°F on the day Gregory was found deceased. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has yet to confirm the cause of death, but associates believe it was likely heatstroke. Arizona’s high summer temperatures are known to pose critical risks, especially to individuals left in vehicles.
Born into a family with a long history in the entertainment business, Gregory began his career early, appearing in numerous TV shows and commercials before securing his role on “ALF.” His early career included appearances in “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Punky Brewster.” Despite his early achievements, 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 naval safety, before receiving a medical discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s life after his acting career was marked by his struggle with mental health issues. He openly discussed his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder in various interviews and podcasts. During a 2021 interview, Gregory talked about his hopes for a potential “ALF” reboot as well as his struggle with insomnia, which sometimes kept him awake for consecutive days. “I had great times and tough times, but I always tried to stay positive,” he stated in the interview.
Many have expressed their condolences and shared memories of the actor on social media. Gregory’s family has asked for donations in his memory to The Actors Equity Foundation or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heatstroke can ensue when the body overheats and is unable to cool down. This condition can lead to a rapid rise in body temperature, confusion, and loss of consciousness. It can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona, experiences some of the nation’s highest temperatures during the summer. The combination of high temperatures and confined spaces, like vehicles, can rapidly create life-threatening conditions. Local authorities continue to urge residents to exercise caution and refrain from leaving children or pets in vehicles, even for short periods.