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'ALF' '80s sitcom star Benji Gregory dies age 46

The former child star was best known for playing Brian Tanner on the '80s sitcom.

Benji Gregory, best known for starring as middle-child Brian Tanner in the '80s sitcom series 'ALF', has passed away at 46.

The former child star was found dead in his car on June 13th, his sister Rebecca confirmed to TMZ today. His cause of death is still under investigation, but his sister shared that Benji suffered from a sleep disorder, bipolar disorder, and depression, and suspects he may have died from vehicular heatstroke in Arizona.

'ALF', which aired for four seasons from 1986 to 1990, followed the life of an Alien Life Form visiting from the planet Melmac, who had crashed into a human family's garage.

Benji had previously appeared on '80s shows Fantasy Island, The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, and The Twilight Zone before earning a starring role on the family sitcom, which aired more than 100 episodes.

"When 'ALF' was cancelled, it was a relief," he said in an interview with People Magazine in 2000. "I didn't want to do any more shows, but I don't regret any of it."

Following the end of 'ALF', Benji continued to work in commercials for McDonald's, voiced in the animated series 'Back to the Future', and had a small role in the film 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' starring Whoopi Goldberg.

He left the entertainment industry in 2003 to enlist in the US Navy, and in 2005, he received an honourable medical discharge.