Benji Gregory Hertzberg, the former child actor best known for his role on the 90s sitcom ALF, has passed away at the age of 46.
Although he died on June 13, 2024, news of his passing was not made public until July 10, 2024. His sister confirmed his death, revealing that Benji and his service dog were found dead in his car in a parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. The family took some time to process their grief before making the announcement. According to his sister, the cause of death was heat stroke.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, his sister Rebecca wrote, “My brother Ben was found in his car, along with his beloved service dog Hans, deceased on June 13. We believe he went there on the evening of the 12th to deposit some residuals. (Found in his car) and never got out of the car to do so. He fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke.”
Benji Gregory’s acting career began at the young age of 6, but he became widely recognized for his role as Brian Tanner on ALF. The show, which revolved around a family that adopts a quirky alien, featured Benji as ALF’s younger sibling and closest friend.
Born on May 26, 1978, Benji came from a family immersed in the entertainment industry—his father, uncle, and sisters were all actors, while his grandmother worked as his agent.
In addition to ALF, Benji appeared in numerous commercials and TV shows during the 1980s. His credits include roles in The Twilight Zone, The A-Team, Punky Brewster, and Amazing Stories. In 1986, he starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg in Jumpin’ Jack Flash, playing the role of Harry Carlson Jr. Later, in 1993, he lent his voice to Edgar the Mole in the animated film Once Upon a Forest.
After leaving Hollywood in 2004, Benji Gregory shifted his career path by joining the U.S. Navy as an Aerographer’s Mate, where he was stationed in Biloxi, Mississippi. His sister Rebecca also shared that Benji had been undergoing therapy for depression and bipolar disorder.
Benji Gregory will be remembered for his contributions to the entertainment industry and the joy he brought to fans through his work.
