R.I.P. Benji Gregory, child star of ALF
Best known as Brian Tanner on ALF, Benji Gregory was 46
Screenshot: YouTube
Benji Gregory, best known as Brian Tanner, the child star of ALF, has died. First reported by TMZ, Gregory was found with his service dog, Hans, who also died, in his car in a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, AZ, on June 13. No cause of death has been determined. He was 46.
Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg in Los Angeles, CA, on May 26, 1978, Gregory was one of several actors in his family. Still, few could have predicted his sudden rise to prominence. Before his 10th birthday, Gregory had landed roles on several ‘80s hallmarks, such as The A-Team, T.J. Hooker Punky Brewster, and Amazing Stories. In 1986, he joined the cast of ALF as the cat-hunting, beer-swilling alien life form’s best friend, Brian. Gregory was a patient and enthusiastic scene partner for his crass puppet co-star, bouncing off the furry extraterrestrial for four years and 101 episodes. He would later return for the 2004 reboot pilot.
Throughout ALF’s run, Gregory continued to work. He appeared on Murphy Brown and Whoopi Goldberg’s screen breakthrough, Jumpin’ Jack Flash. Gregory also dabbled in voice work, playing Biff Tannen Jr. in the second season of the Back To The Future cartoon series. By 1993, Gregory had all but left the industry. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2003, becoming an Aerographer’s Mate at The Center for Naval Education and Training Unit. He was discharged for medical reasons in 2005.