Current:Home > MyFormer ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed -VisionFunds
Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed
Chainkeen View
Date:2025-04-06 19:58:57
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! (6)
Related
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Yankees reliever Anthony Misiewicz hit in head by line drive in scary scene vs. Pirates
- At the request of Baghdad, UN will end in 1 year its probe of Islamic State extremists in Iraq
- Jury clears 3 men in the last trial tied to the plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- Stamford Road collision sends motorcyclist flying; driver arrested
- 6 people accused of torturing, killing woman lured into religious group
- Birmingham church bombing survivor reflects on 60th anniversary of attack
- Eagles fly to 2-0 with win over Vikings: Winners and losers from 'Thursday Night Football'
- Woman dies after Singapore family of 3 gets into accident in Taiwan
- California targets smash-and-grabs with $267 million program aimed at ‘brazen’ store thefts
Ranking
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Sisters of YouTube mom Ruby Franke speak out about child abuse charges: I had no idea what was happening
- Special counsel seeks 'narrowly tailored' gag order against Trump
- Luxury cruise ship that ran aground in Greenland with over 200 people on board is freed
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Triathlon
- Taking a Look Back at Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness' Great Love Story
- Missing 10-year-old found dead with gun shot wound in West Virginia
- New Jersey’s casinos, tracks and partners won $531M from gamblers in August
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
Some Florida church leaders blame DeSantis after racist Jacksonville shooting
Hep C is treatable, but still claiming lives. Can Biden's 5-year plan eliminate it?
6 people accused of torturing, killing woman lured into religious group
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
Jury selection begins in the first trial for officers charged in Elijah McClain's death
How much does an average UAW autoworker make—and how much do Big Three CEOs get paid?
Selena Quintanilla, Walter Mercado and More Latin Icons With Legendary Style