Benji Gregory cherished his time filming 101 episodes of “ALF” in his youth. In a 2000 interview with People, the late actor revealed that starring in the iconic TV series never felt like a chore. “The only times it felt like work was when the lights were on and it was real hot,” he said, noting that in between takes, he would have fun “climbing under the stage and messing around with the staff.” Despite the cushy paychecks, he realized early on that he didn’t love being in front of the camera. “I was on a lot of stupid cartoons,” he shared of his gigs after “ALF” ended. “Voice-overs are easy, and I wasn’t actively trying to act anymore.” However, he didn’t completely shut the door on Hollywood. “I’d like to work in the entertainment industry, but I’m not sure as what,” he said. “Definitely not acting.”
Gregory ended up enlisting in the U.S. Navy in 2003 and worked as an aerographer’s mate. Though he never returned to Hollywood, fans remember him through Brian Tanner and paid tribute. “Rest in Peace to both Benji Gregory and Hans as they travel across the rainbow bridge together. The next time I watch ALF, the laughs will be mixed with tears,” one wrote on X, formerly Twitter. One of his friends from childhood also shared, “This hurts. Benji Gregory was a sweet, down to earth child actor and when us teens were partying, he was a straight edged skater. I’ll never forget he wrote in my yearbook ‘Hope you become Miss America someday.'” Per his sister, fans who wish to honor him can make donations in his name to the Actors Equity Foundation.
