Benji Gregory | |
|---|---|
| Born | Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg (1978-05-26)May 26, 1978 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | June 13, 2024(2024-06-13) (aged 46) Peoria, Arizona, U.S. |
| Education | Academy of Art University[1] |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1984–1993 |
| Television | Brian Tanner onALF |
| Spouse | |
Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg (known professionally asBenji Gregory; May 26, 1978 – June 13, 2024) was an American child actor and voice artist best known for playing Brian Tanner on the 1986–1990 NBC sitcomALF.
Benjamin Gregory Hertzberg was born in Los Angeles, California, on May 26, 1978. Multiple members of his family worked in the entertainment industry, and his grandmother worked as his agent.[2] He was raised inThousand Oaks, California, and began appearing in commercials when he was an infant.[2]
Gregory, beside his main role onALF, appeared in several television shows which includedFantastic 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), andMr. Boogedy (1986). He also made an appearance in the feature filmJumpin' Jack Flash (1986).[2]
Gregory appeared as himself in the PSAs television seriesThe More You Know, the children's game show seriesI'm Telling!, the "Salute to the 50 States episodes" of the game showFun House, as well as on a kids episode ofThe Dating Game.[3]
Gregory made several appearances on the television sitcomPunky Brewster,[2] playing anorphan named "Dash," and supplied the voice of Edgar the Mole in the animated featureOnce Upon a Forest (1993), which would be his final acting role. He was scheduled to co-star in aPunky Brewster spin-off calledFenster Hall. The pilot/television-movie ofFenster Hall was never picked up for regular production.[citation needed]
After graduating from school, Gregory enlisted in theU.S. Navy in 2003 and became anaerographer's mate. He was assigned to theUSSCarl Vinson (CVN-70). In 2005, he received an honorable medical discharge.[4]
Gregory married a woman named Sarah in 2006 after completing his naval service.[1] They later divorced.[5]
On June 13, 2024, Gregory and hisservice dog were found dead inside a car at aChase Bank parking lot inPeoria, Arizona. He was 46 years old.[2] Pending an investigation of the cause, and allowing the family time to mourn, the death was not publicly announced until July 10.[2] His sister said he hadbipolar andsleep disorders, and likely died ofheat stroke after falling asleep in his car.[6][7] On September 13, 2024, the Maricopa County Medical Examiner revealed that Gregory had died of bothhepatic cirrhosis, with Gregory being revealed to have had a damaged liver, andheat exposure.[8][9] The death was ruled accidental.[8][9]
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| Year | Title | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 1986 | Jumpin' Jack Flash | Harry Carlson, Jr. |
| 1993 | Once Upon a Forest | Edgar (voice) |
| Year | Title | Role(s) | Note(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | The A-Team | Eric | Episode: "Hot Styles" |
| 1984 | T.J. Hooker | Sean | Episode: "The Confession" |
| 1985 | Punky Brewster | Dash | 2 episodes |
| 1985 | Amazing Stories | Sam | Episode: "Alamo Jobe" |
| 1985 | The Twilight Zone | Boy | Episode: "Night of the Meek" |
| 1986 | Thompson's Last Run | Little John | Television film |
| 1986–1990 | ALF | Brian Tanner | main cast[6] |
| 1988 | Disney's All-Star Comedy Circus | Himself | Television special |
| 1991 | Murphy Brown | Brian | Episode: "On Another Plane" |
| 1991 | Never Forget | Kenny Mermelstein | Television film |
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
