Benji Gregory, 'ALF' Star, Succumbs to Vehicular Heatstroke at Age 46

Benji Gregory, renowned for his endearing portrayal of Brian Tanner in the beloved 1980s sitcom "ALF," tragically passed away at 46 due to vehicular heatstroke, according to his sister, Rebecca Hertzberg-Pfaffinger.

Gregory was discovered deceased in his car alongside his loyal service dog on June 13 in a bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona, as reported by The New York Times. Hertzberg-Pfaffinger shared on social media that Gregory had intended to deposit residual checks found in his vehicle the previous evening but tragically succumbed to the intense heat before completing the errand.

The incident occurred amidst a severe heat wave gripping Arizona, with temperatures soaring to a scorching 108 degrees on June 12 and peaking at 111 degrees on June 13, according to AccuWeather reports.

In a heartfelt tribute, Hertzberg-Pfaffinger reminisced about her brother, describing him as "a wonderful Son, Brother, and Uncle who brought joy to those around him with his infectious laughter." She shared moments of levity she discovered while sorting through his belongings, alternating between laughter and tears.

Details from the Maricopa County medical examiner confirm Gregory's passing on June 13, with the precise cause of death pending further investigation.

Born Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg on May 26, 1978, in Encino, California, Gregory began his career in entertainment at a young age, appearing in commercials before achieving fame as Brian Tanner in "ALF," a hit series that aired from 1986 to 1990. The show followed the misadventures of ALF, an alien crash-landed into the Tanner family's garage in California.

Gregory's talent extended beyond television; he made guest appearances on iconic shows like "The A-Team" and "The Twilight Zone" and appeared in films such as the 1986 comedy "Jumpin' Jack Flash" alongside Whoopi Goldberg and the 1991 drama "Never Forget."

Despite early success in Hollywood, Gregory chose to shift gears at the end of the 1990s, enlisting in the U.S. Navy and serving honorably at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi, as noted on his IMDb profile.

His sister revealed to The Times that Gregory grappled with bipolar disorder and depression, conditions he courageously managed with ongoing support.