Benji Gregory, known for his role as Brian Tanner on the TV series “ALF” (1986-1990), has died at 46. His sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, confirmed that Gregory and his service dog were found dead in his car on June 13 in Peoria, Arizona, from heatstroke. The family delayed the announcement to have time to mourn.
Mr. Gregory is Benji Gregory, best known for his role as Brian Tanner on the NBC sitcom “ALF.”
The show, which aired from 1986 to 1990, revolves around a suburban family that takes in an alien named ALF (short for Alien Life Form).
ALF, with his snout-nosed appearance and humorous personality, forms a close bond with Brian, becoming something like a younger sibling and best friend to him.
Indeed, “ALF” left the airwaves in 1990 but remained a memorable piece of 1980s pop culture.
The character of ALF continued to appear in various media, such as the 2014 RadioShack Super Bowl commercial where ’80s icons, including ALF, humorously raid the store.
In the same year, ALF also appeared in an ’80s-themed Delta in-flight safety video, where a passenger fitting an oxygen mask to himself first before helping ALF with his.
These appearances highlight the enduring legacy of “ALF” and its nostalgic value.
“ALF” wasn’t considered prestige TV, often viewed as a gimmick-driven show aimed at making money. In 2013, Lenny Venito, from the alien-themed ABC sitcom “The Neighbors,” expressed frustration about critics comparing his show to “ALF,” implying a lack of substance. A source labeled “ALF” as part of the “weird family TV shows” genre.
Despite this, “ALF” retained a dedicated fan base. Thomas Cannavo from Jackson, N.J., maintained an “ALF” fan club long after the show ended, joking in 1997 that his wife worried he might name their son after the character.
During the war in Sarajevo in 1992, a bar named ALF paid homage to the show. In a 2022 YouTube interview with “BTM Legends Corner,” Benji Gregory noted that 80 percent of his fan mail still came from Germany, highlighting the show’s enduring international appeal.
