On June 13, 2024, Benji Gregory, a former child star known for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1980s sitcom “ALF,” was discovered dead in Peoria, Arizona at the age of 46.
Gregory’s body was found in his car parked in a bank parking lot, alongside his service dog, Hans. The cause of death is currently under investigation, but local authorities suggest that the severe summer heat may have been a contributing factor.
Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, as he was legally named, rose to fame as a child actor starring in “ALF,” a popular NBC show about a family harboring an extraterrestrial creature. The show ran from 1986 to 1990, establishing Gregory as a familiar face in many households. He also appeared in other notable TV series such as “The A-Team” and “Fantasy Island.”
According to Rebecca Pfaffinger, Gregory’s sister, her brother’s body was found in his vehicle in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. He had seemingly gone there to cash residual checks but never left his car. In an interview with The New York Times, Pfaffinger disclosed that Gregory had been battling bipolar disorder and insomnia, often staying awake for extended periods. “He fell asleep and died in his car. The heat that day was unbearable,” she stated.
As reported by the National Weather Service, the temperature in metro Phoenix reached 108°F on the day of Gregory’s death. Although the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office has not confirmed the cause of death, heatstroke is suspected due to the intense heat. In Arizona, extremely high summer temperatures have been known to pose significant risks, especially for those left in vehicles.
Gregory started his career at a young age in a family with a history in the entertainment industry. Before his role on “ALF,” he appeared in commercials and several TV shows, including “The A-Team,” “T.J. Hooker,” and “Punky Brewster.” Despite his early success, he left the industry in the early 2000s to join the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aerographer’s mate before receiving an honorable medical discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s life after acting was marked by his struggle with mental health issues. He was open about his battles with depression and bipolar disorder, often sharing his experiences in interviews and podcasts. In a 2021 interview, Gregory expressed his hopes for a potential “ALF” reboot and discussed his struggles with insomnia. “I had great times and tough times, but I always tried to stay positive,” he said.
Many have taken to social media to share their condolences and 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). Pfaffinger voiced her gratitude for the public’s support and kind words, stating, “We are grieving a great loss. Benji was a loving son, brother, and uncle, and he will be dearly missed.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that heatstroke can occur when the body cannot cool down after overheating. This can lead to a rapid increase in body temperature, confusion, and unconsciousness, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix, Arizona experiences some of the highest temperatures in the United States during the summer. The combination of high temperatures and confined spaces like cars can create dangerous conditions within minutes. Authorities urge residents to avoid leaving children or pets in vehicles, even for short periods.
