Benji Gregory
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Benji Gregory | |
|---|---|
| Born | Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg May 26, 1978 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | June 13, 2024 (aged 46) Peoria, Arizona, U.S. |
| Education | Academy of Art University[1] |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1984–1993 |
| Known for | ALF as Brian Tanner |
Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg (known professionally as Benji Gregory; May 26, 1978 – June 13, 2024) was an American actor and voice artist, widely known as a child actor for his role as Brian Tanner on the 1986–1990 NBC sitcom ALF.
Early life
Gregory was born in Los Angeles, California. and attended the Academy of Art University[2] His father, uncle and sister were all actors; his grandmother was his agent.[3][better source needed]
Acting career
Gregory, in addition to his stint on ALF, appeared in several television shows which included Fantastic Max (1988–1990), Pound Puppies (1986–1987), Murphy Brown (1988), Fantasy Island (1978), The A-Team (1984), T.J. Hooker (1984), Amazing Stories (1985), The Twilight Zone (1985), and Mr. Boogedy (1986). He also made an appearance in the feature film Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986).
Gregory appeared as himself in the PSAs television series The More You Know, the children's game show series I'm Telling!, the "Salute to the 50 States episodes" of the game show Fun House, as well as on a kids episode of The Dating Game.[4]
Gregory made several appearances on the television sitcom Punky Brewster, playing an orphan named "Dash," and supplied the voice of Edgar the Mole in the animated feature Once Upon a Forest (1993), which would be his final acting role. He was scheduled to co-star in a Punky Brewster spin-off called Fenster Hall. The pilot/television-movie of Fenster Hall was never picked up for regular production.[citation needed]
Post-acting career
Leaving the acting industry, Gregory served in the U.S. Navy. After graduating from school, he enlisted in 2003 and became an aerographer's mate. During his naval career he was assigned to the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge from the Navy.[5]
Personal life and death
He married in 2006, after completing his military service.[1]
On June 13, 2024, Gregory and his service dog were found dead inside a car at a Chase Bank parking lot in Peoria, Arizona. Gregory was 46. News of his death was not publicly presented until July 10, 2024; the cause of his death was still under investigation. His sister said Gregory suffered from depression, bipolar disorder, a sleep disorder and said he likely died of a heatstroke after falling asleep in his car.[6][7]
Filmography
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Film
| Year | Title | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Jumpin' Jack Flash | Harry Carlson, Jr. |
| 1993 | Once Upon a Forest | Edgar (voice) |
Television
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Note(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The A-Team | Eric | Episode: "Hot Styles" |
| 1984 | T.J. Hooker | Sean | Episode: "The Confession" |
| 1985 | Punky Brewster | Dash | 2 episodes |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories | Sam | Episode: "Alamo Jobe" |
| 1986–1990 | ALF | Brian Tanner | main cast[6] |
References
- ^ a b "Whatever Happened To: Benji Gregory From 'Alf'". Like Totally 80s. March 16, 2016. Archived from the original on May 17, 2019. Retrieved November 2, 2016.
- ^ "Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg, Born 05/26/1978 in California | CaliforniaBirthIndex.org". California Birth Index. Archived from the original on December 26, 2017. Retrieved December 26, 2017.
- ^ Biography for Benji Gregory, IMDb. Benji Gregory – Biography Archived April 7, 2018, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Bechara, Diego Ramos (July 11, 2024). "Benji Gregory, Child Star of 'Alf,' Dies at 46". Variety. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ White, Meredith G. "'80s child star Benji Gregory and his dog found dead in car in Arizona". The Arizona Republic. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ a b Madarang, Charisma (July 11, 2024). "Benji Gregory, Star of Eighties Sitcom 'Alf,' Dead at 46". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ "Benji Gregory, 'ALF' Child Star, Dead at 46". Entertainment Tonight. Archived from the original on July 11, 2024. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
External links
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