Current:Home > InvestSurpassing:Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed -Capitatum
Surpassing:Former ALF Child Star Benji Gregory's Cause of Death Revealed
Chainkeen Exchange View
Date:2025-04-06 14:16:18
Additional details about Benji Gregoy's passing have Surpassingemerged.
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! (19)
Related
- Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
- What Ariana Madix's Vanderpump Rules Co-Stars Really Think of Her New Man Daniel Wai
- Weapons expert Hannah Gutierrez-Reed accused of being likely hungover on set of Alec Baldwin movie Rust before shooting
- All the Dazzling Details Behind Beyoncé's Sun-Washed Blonde Look for Her Renaissance Tour
- Newly elected West Virginia lawmaker arrested and accused of making terroristic threats
- In U.S. Race to Reap Offshore Wind, Ambitions for Maryland Remain High
- Wegovy works. But here's what happens if you can't afford to keep taking the drug
- Who's most likely to save us from the next pandemic? The answer may surprise you
- 'Survivor' 47 finale, part one recap: 2 players were sent home. Who's left in the game?
- Vegas Golden Knights cruise by Florida Panthers to capture first Stanley Cup
Ranking
- House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
- With Oil Sands Ambitions on a Collision Course With Climate Change, Exxon Still Stepping on the Gas
- 6 doctors swallowed Lego heads for science. Here's what came out
- Dakota Access Pipeline: Army Corps Is Ordered to Comply With Trump’s Order
- Tree trimmer dead after getting caught in wood chipper at Florida town hall
- As electric vehicles become more common, experts worry they could pose a safety risk for other drivers
- 2017: Pipeline Resistance Gathers Steam From Dakota Access, Keystone Success
- RHONJ: Teresa Giudice's Wedding Is More Over-the-Top and Dramatic Than We Imagined in Preview
Recommendation
What to watch: O Jolie night
Kids’ Climate Lawsuit Thrown Out by Appeals Court
Most Americans say overturning Roe was politically motivated, NPR/Ipsos poll finds
New tech gives hope for a million people with epilepsy
See you latte: Starbucks plans to cut 30% of its menu
Here's why you should make a habit of having more fun
Can Trump still become president if he's convicted of a crime or found liable in a civil case?
After Back-to-Back Hurricanes, North Carolina Reconsiders Climate Change