‘Alf’ child star Benji Gregory found dead aged 46

Former child star Benji Gregory, who featured in the hit series Alf, has been found dead in his car, his sister has announced.

Former child star Benji Gregory has died aged 46.

The US actor, best known for starring as Brian Tanner in the 1980s US sitcom ALF, was found dead in his car in Peoria, Arizona, on June 13, his sister Rebecca told TMZ.

Per the outlet, Gregory was found with his service dog Hans inside his vehicle at a Chase Bank parking lot. The dog was also found dead.

Benji Gregory (top left) pictured with ALF co-stars Max Wright, Andrea Elson, and Anne Shedeen. Picture: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

ALF ran from 1986 until 1990. Picture: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

A cause of death is yet to be determined. Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office is reportedly investigating.

Rebecca told TMZ she believed her brother may have died of a heatstroke after falling asleep. She added her brother suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, and was also battling a severe sleeping disorder.

Little is known about Gregory’s personal life.

Gregory in a recent Instagram post.

ALF first aired 1986, when Gregory was just eight years old.

After the show wrapped in 1990 following four seasons, Gregory went on to star in several other TV shows, including Fantastic Max, Pound Puppies and The Twilight Zone.

He shifted careers in 2003, enlisting in the U.S. Navy, and later graduated to become an aerographer’s mate, which specialises in meteorology and oceanography.

Gregory was discharged in 2005 for medical reasons.

While he stepped away from the spotlight two decades ago, Gregory regularly posted photos on Instagram, describing himself on his bio as a “lover of dogs, traveling [sic], late-night runs, music, podcasts.”

He last shared a photo on April 11, sharing a light-hearted post about his dog.

“Wish my dog, Hans, would grow out of this ‘tagging’ phase already,” Gregory wrote.

Gregory's final Instagram post in April.

His service dog, Hans, was tragically found dead in the car.

Gregory’s greatest acting success came with ALF, which followed the exploits of the middle-class Tanner family whose world is turned upside down when ALF (an acronym for ‘Alien Life Form’) crash lands in their garage.

A planned reboot has been in development for several years.

Warner Bros. first announced a revival in 2018, which was later cancelled.

In 2022, Shout! Factory acquired distribution rights to the title, promising to develop “new ALF-related content.”

Originally published as ‘Alf’ child star Benji Gregory found dead aged 46