Tragic End of Benji Gregory and the ALF Cast's Struggles
Benji Gregory, who rose to fame as Brian Tanner on the beloved 1980s sitcom 'ALF,' has died at the age of 46. His sister, Rebecca Pfaffinger, confirmed his death, stating that Gregory and his service dog, Hans, were found in his car on June 13 in Peoria, Arizona, victims of heatstroke. Gregory had long struggled with mental health issues including depression, bipolar disorder, and a sleep disorder.
The ALF series, which aired from 1986 to 1990, revolved around an alien named ALF who takes refuge with the Tanner family. The sitcom was known for its humor and unique premise but was also notorious for its technically challenging production, which created a stressful environment for the cast and crew. Benji Gregory, who was just 8 years old when he started on the show, faced bullying and left acting in 2004 to join the United States Navy.
The ALF Cast's Troubled Post-Show Lives
Benji Gregory's death has reignited discussions about the so-called 'curse' of the ALF cast. Max Wright, who played the Tanner patriarch Willie, faced numerous personal and legal troubles. He was arrested for drug possession in 1995, and later battled cancer, passing away in 2019. Wright's career never fully recovered from his legal issues despite being a respected actor in both television and theater.
Anne Schedeen, who portrayed Kate Tanner, also faced difficulties. She described the set of ALF as tense and exhausting due to the technical demands of working with puppets and special effects. Schedeen eventually stepped away from acting after the series ended.
Andrea Elson, who played Lynn Tanner, struggled with anorexia during her time on the show. The pressures of being a young actress and the long working hours contributed to her eating disorder. Elson has since found a new path as a yoga instructor, focusing on wellness and health away from the Hollywood spotlight.
The series ended unexpectedly after four seasons, leaving many questions unanswered. The planned fifth season was canceled due to budget constraints, and the show concluded with ALF being cornered by the military. The puppet was often mistreated by the cast due to the frustrations of long filming hours, particularly by Max Wright.
Despite its end, the legacy of ALF and its cast continues to be remembered, albeit with a shadow of the struggles they faced. Benji Gregory's tragic death is a stark reminder of the personal battles that often go unseen behind the scenes of Hollywood.
- The ALF series, which aired from 1986 to 1990, was produced by Alien Productions and featured 102 episodes. The character ALF, a Melmacian alien, was known for his insatiable appetite and humorous antics. The show's technical demands, particularly the use of puppets and special effects, created a challenging work environment for the cast and crew.
- Max Wright, who played Willie Tanner, faced significant personal and professional challenges after the show ended. He was arrested for drug possession in 1995, and his career never fully recovered. Wright also battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma and passed away in 2019.
- Anne Schedeen, who played Kate Tanner, described the set of ALF as tense and exhausting due to the technical demands of working with puppets and special effects. She eventually stepped away from acting after the series ended.
- Andrea Elson, who played Lynn Tanner, struggled with anorexia during her time on the show. The pressures of being a young actress and the long working hours contributed to her eating disorder. Elson has since found a new path as a yoga instructor, focusing on wellness and health away from the Hollywood spotlight.
- The series ended unexpectedly after four seasons, leaving many questions unanswered. The planned fifth season was canceled due to budget constraints, and the show concluded with ALF being cornered by the military. The puppet was often mistreated by the cast due to the frustrations of long filming hours, particularly by Max Wright.
