The Maricopa Medical Examiner’s office has determined that the death of former child actor Benji Gregory was accidental. Gregory, best known for his role in the 1980s sitcom “Alf,” was found deceased in his car in Peoria, Arizona, two months ago. The medical examiner’s report indicated that Gregory’s death was due to “environmental heat exposure in the setting of hepatic cirrhosis,” a condition characterized by the formation of scar tissue in the liver, leading to a loss of function and the development of cirrhosis.
The National Library of Medicine explains that hepatic cirrhosis typically occurs following a chronic injury, which results in most of the liver tissue becoming fibrotic. This fibrosis can lead to a loss of liver function and the development of cirrhosis. In Gregory’s case, the combination of environmental heat exposure and his existing liver condition led to his untimely death in June.
Gregory, who gained fame for his portrayal of Brian Tanner on all four seasons of “Alf” from 1986 to 1990, was discovered in a Chase Bank parking lot. He was 46 years old at the time of his death. The medical examiner’s report, which was obtained by Page Six, confirmed that he died on June 13.
In a Facebook post in July, Gregory’s sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, confirmed his death. She shared that the family believed Gregory had gone to the bank on the evening of June 12 to deposit some residuals but never exited his car. Pfaffinger wrote that her brother “fell asleep and died from vehicular heatstroke.”
Pfaffinger also shared some personal insights about her brother, describing him as a “great Son, Brother and Uncle.” She revealed that Gregory had been battling depression and bipolar disorder and suffered from a sleep disorder that often kept him awake for days.
In addition to his role on “Alf,” Gregory had guest roles on “The A-Team” and “The Twilight Zone” in the 1980s. He also appeared in a TV pilot, “Fenster Hall,” a Disney movie, “Mr. Boogedy,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.” In 2003, Gregory left Hollywood to join the US Navy, where he served as an aerographer’s mate until his honorable discharge in 2005.
Gregory’s death follows the passing of his “Alf” co-stars Michu Meszaros, who played Alf and died in 2016 at the age of 76, and Max Wright, who played the father on the series and died in 2018 after a long battle with cancer.