Benji Gregory

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.

Gregory was born in Los Angeles, California. and attended the Academy of Art University His father, uncle and sister were all actors; his grandmother was his agent.

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.

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.

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.

He married in 2006, after completing his military service.

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.

Film

Television