Benji Gregory, best known for his acting work as a child star on the 1980s NBC sitcom Alf, was found dead on June 13.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the death but has not yet determined a cause. TMZ said he was found in his car at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. His service dog, Hans, was also found dead in the vehicle.
The actor’s sister, Rebecca, told TMZ that her brother suffered from depression and bipolar disorder and had a sleep disorder that often kept him awake for days. His service dog also was found dead, the site reported.
Gregory played middle son Brian Tanner on 101 episodes of Alf, which aired from 1986-90. It followed the earthly adventures of a furry alien from the planet Melmac who crashes his spaceship into the Tanners’ garage. Nicknamed ALF (for Alien Life Form), the creature often cracked wise about human customs and was a cat lover — though not in the usual sense. The series moved nights often during its run but was No. 10 in all of primetime during its second season in 1987-88.
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Gregory left entertainment in 2003 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, later becoming an aerographer’s mate. In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge from the Navy.
Gregory’s sisters suggests donations in her brother’s name to either The Actors Equity Foundation or the ASPCA.