Benji Gregory, best known for his role in the iconic series “Alf,” tragically passed away earlier this year, with the cause of his death now confirmed as an accident. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Gregory succumbed to environmental heat exposure exacerbated by hepatic cirrhosis. This condition occurs when the liver develops fibrous scar tissue, significantly impairing its function over time.
The 46-year-old actor was discovered unresponsive in his vehicle in a Peoria, Arizona Chase Bank parking lot on June 13. His sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, shared on social media in July that their family believed he may have been at the bank to deposit residual payments but never made it out of the car. She noted that he likely “fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke.”
Despite his success in childhood acting, Gregory struggled with mental health issues that included depression and bipolar disorder, along with a sleep disorder that often kept him awake for extended periods. His sister reflected on his life, describing him as a loving son, brother, and uncle who had a talent for making those around him laugh. In her poignant tribute, she spoke of the bittersweet nature of going through his belongings, often bursting into laughter at memories of him even amid tears.
Gregory shot to fame in the late 1980s portraying Brian Tanner throughout all four seasons of “Alf,” airing from 1986 to 1990. Beyond that role, he also appeared in guest spots on popular shows like “The A-Team” and “The Twilight Zone.” In a notable shift, Gregory left Hollywood in 2003 to join the U.S. Navy, serving as an aerographer’s mate until his honorable discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s passing adds him to a growing list of beloved stars we’ve lost in recent years, including his “Alf” co-star Michu Meszaros, who died in 2016, and Max Wright, who played the Tanner patriarch, passing in 2018 after battling cancer. Their absence serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life, particularly among those who once brought joy to millions.
