Benji Gregory

Benji Gregory
Born
Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg

(1978-05-26)May 26, 1978
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
DiedJune 13, 2024(2024-06-13) (aged 46)
Peoria, Arizona, U.S.
EducationAcademy of Art University[1]
OccupationActor
Years active1984–1993
TelevisionBrian Tanner on ALF
Spouse
Sarah
​
​
(m. 2006, divorced)​

Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg (known professionally as Benji Gregory; May 26, 1978 – June 13, 2024) was an American child actor and voice artist best known for playing Brian Tanner on the 1986–1990 NBC sitcom ALF.

Early life

Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 26, 1978. Multiple members of his family worked in the entertainment industry, and his grandmother worked as his agent.[2] He was raised in Thousand Oaks, California, and began appearing in commercials when he was an infant.[2]

Acting career

Gregory, beside his main role on ALF, appeared in several television shows which included Fantastic Max (1988–1990), Pound Puppies (1986–1987), Murphy Brown (1988), Fantasy Island (1978), The A-Team (1984), T.J. Hooker (1984), Amazing Stories (1985), The Twilight Zone (1985), and Mr. Boogedy (1986). He also made an appearance in the feature film Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986).[2]

Gregory appeared as himself in the PSAs television series The More You Know, the children's game show series I'm Telling!, the "Salute to the 50 States episodes" of the game show Fun House, as well as on a kids episode of The Dating Game.[3]

Gregory made several appearances on the television sitcom Punky Brewster,[2] playing an orphan named "Dash," and supplied the voice of Edgar the Mole in the animated feature Once Upon a Forest (1993), which would be his final acting role. He was scheduled to co-star in a Punky Brewster spin-off called Fenster Hall. The pilot/television-movie of Fenster Hall was never picked up for regular production.[citation needed]

After graduating from school, Gregory enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 2003 and became an aerographer's mate. He was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge.[4]

Personal life and death

Gregory married a woman named Sarah in 2006 after completing his naval service.[1] They later divorced.[5]

On June 13, 2024, Gregory and his service dog were found dead inside a car at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. He was 46 years old.[2] Pending an investigation of the cause, and allowing the family time to mourn, the death was not publicly announced until July 11.[2] His sister said he had bipolar and sleep disorders, and likely died of heat stroke after falling asleep in his car.[6][7] On September 13, 2024, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner revealed that Gregory died of both hepatic cirrhosis, with Gregory being revealed to have had a damaged liver, and heat exposure.[8][9] The death was ruled accidental.[8][9]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role(s)
1986 Jumpin' Jack Flash Harry Carlson, Jr.
1993 Once Upon a Forest Edgar (voice)

Television

Year Title Role(s) Note(s)
1984 The A-Team Eric Episode: "Hot Styles"
1984 T.J. Hooker Sean Episode: "The Confession"
1985 Punky Brewster Dash 2 episodes
1985 Amazing Stories Sam Episode: "Alamo Jobe"
1985 The Twilight Zone Boy Episode: "Night of the Meek"
1986 Thompson's Last Run Little John Television film
1986–1990 ALF Brian Tanner main cast[6]
1988 Disney's All-Star Comedy Circus Himself Television special
1991 Murphy Brown Brian Episode: "On Another Plane"
1991 Never Forget Kenny Mermelstein Television film

References

  1. ^ a b "Whatever Happened To: Benji Gregory From 'Alf'". Like Totally 80s. March 16, 2016. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Traub, Alex; Petri, Alexandra E. (July 13, 2024). "Benji Gregory, 46, Child Star Known for 'ALF'". The New York Times. p. B12. Retrieved July 15, 2024.
  3. ^ Bechara, Diego Ramos (July 11, 2024). "Benji Gregory, Child Star of 'Alf,' Dies at 46". Variety. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  4. ^ White, Meredith G. "'80s child star Benji Gregory and his dog found dead in car in Arizona". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  5. ^ Petri, Alexandra E. (July 11, 2024). "Benji Gregory, Child Star on 'ALF,' Dies at 46". New York Times. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved December 21, 2024.
  6. ^ a b Madarang, Charisma (July 11, 2024). "Benji Gregory, Star of Eighties Sitcom 'Alf,' Dead at 46". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  7. ^ "Benji Gregory, 'ALF' Child Star, Dead at 46". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
  8. ^ a b Petski, Denise (September 13, 2024). "Benji Gregory Cause Of Death Revealed". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 13, 2024.
  9. ^ a b "BENJI GREGORY:'ALF' STAR'S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED ... Heat Exposure, Cirrhosis". TMZ. September 13, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2024.