Current:Home > reviewsFormer ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed -Aspire Financial Strategies
Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed
View
Date:2025-04-16 19:50:42
Additional details about Benji Gregoy's passing have emerged.
Three months after the ALF actor died, the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner confirmed his cause of death was accidental.
Benji—who played Brian Tanner on all four seasons from 1986 to 1990—passed away June 10 at the age of 46 after suffering from "environmental heat exposure in the setting of hepatic cirrhosis," according to the office.
The former child star was found dead in his car at a bank parking lot in Peoria, Ariz., his sister Rebecca Pfaffinger shared on Facebook in July.
"We believe he went there the evening of the 12th to deposit some residuals," she wrote alongside several photos of Benji, whose real name was Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg. "(Found in his car) and never got out of the car to do so. He fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke."
"Ben was a great Son, Brother and Uncle," she reflected. "He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often. Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying."
Rebecca also noted that Benji's service dog Hans also passed away in the car. Benji would often share glimpses into his life with Hans on Instagram as he navigated his bipolar disorder diagnosis.
"I've got to take Hans (my pug) in to get shaved within the next few days," he wrote in July 2022. "His shedding is just out of control. He gives me back so much love and tranquility, so I don't mind the little bit of extra chores he requires."
The former actor also opened up about his acting career and how he didn't want his role in ALF to define him. As he said of the show's cancellation in a 2000 People interview, "It was a relief. I didn't want to do any more shows, but I don't regret any of it."
But he also expressed gratitude for what the series—which followed a family harboring an alien in their home—had provided him.
"Thanks to Alf, I can pay my rent easily—most of the money is still in the bank," he told the outlet. "I never get butterflies in my stomach when I have to talk in front of the class."
But that doesn't mean he was interested in being in front of the camera again.
"I'd like to work in the entertainment industry, but I'm not sure as what," he explained. "Definitely not acting."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (54)
Related
- The FTC says 'gamified' online job scams by WhatsApp and text on the rise. What to know.
- Dolly Parton reveals hilarious reason she couldn't join Princess Kate for tea in London
- An Alaska district aligns its school year with traditional subsistence harvests
- Arik Gilbert, tight end awaiting eligibility ruling at Nebraska, is arrested in suspected burglary
- Travis Hunter, the 2
- National Cinema Day collects $34 million at box office, 8.5 million moviegoers attend
- March on Washington organizer remembers historic moment as country pushes for change
- Rapper 50 Cent cancels Phoenix concert due to extreme heat that has plagued the region
- Highlights from Trump’s interview with Time magazine
- 'AGT': Sword swallower Andrew Stanton shocks Simon Cowell with 'brilliantly disgusting' act
Ranking
- Questlove charts 50 years of SNL musical hits (and misses)
- Judge vacates double-murder conviction of a Chicago man; cites evidence supporting innocence
- Paris Jackson slams 'abuse' from Michael Jackson superfans over birthday post for King of Pop
- Judge sets start date of March 4 for Trump's federal election interference trial
- 'Squid Game' without subtitles? Duolingo, Netflix encourage fans to learn Korean
- Jennifer Love Hewitt Shares Cryptic Message on Reason Behind Hair Transformation
- Nebraska aiming for women's attendance record with game inside football's Memorial Stadium
- New Mexico’s top prosecutor vows to move ahead with Native education litigation
Recommendation
Travis Hunter, the 2
Kirkus Prize names Jesmyn Ward, Héctor Tobar among finalists for top literary award
Injury may cost Shohei Ohtani in free agency, but he remains an elite fantasy option
Texas drought exposes resting place of five sunken World War I ships in Neches River
Dick Vitale announces he is cancer free: 'Santa Claus came early'
Dolly Parton reveals hilarious reason she couldn't join Princess Kate for tea in London
Municipalities say Pennsylvania court ruling on stormwater fees could drain them financially
How to take a photo of August's 'blue supermoon'