Hollywood is to blame for the untimely death of “Alf” star Benji Gregory. His series mother Anne Schedeen doesn’t mince her words.
They were one of the most famous TV families of the 1980s and 1990s: the Tanner family from the US cult sitcom “Alf”. After Max Wright (1943-2019), alias head of the family Willie Tanner, died of cancer at the age of 75, the former child star and Brian actor Benji Gregory was also found dead on June 13 under still unclear circumstances. He was only 46 years old. Now his series mother Kate, the US actress Anne Schedeen (75), has spoken out about the far too early death of her former co-star. She found touching but also cautionary words for the dream factory Hollywood.
She was “devastated” and Gregory’s fate was “a terrible loss,” said the deeply saddened Schedeen: “I was just about to board a plane when the message popped up on my cell phone. It took the wind out of my sails and I was disorientated for a moment.” They remained in loose contact even after “Alf” ended in 1990. She last spoke to Brian and his mother three years ago. “We had a very loving and positive conversation,” said Schedeen. Gregory also seemed very normal to her. The purpose of the call at the time: she wanted to invite him to a fan event, but he turned her down: “Benji didn’t want anything to do with Hollywood anymore.”
After “Alf” ended due to falling viewer numbers, neither Gregory nor his former series colleagues were able to build on their incredible success. So he pulled the plug and, after a few smaller roles, ended his acting career completely. He later joined the US Navy. However, he was honorably discharged due to medical problems.
Anne Shedeen blames Hollywood for the death of Benji Gregory
It is not known what kind of illness he had at the time. But Shedeen was also apparently aware of the problems. However, she remembers him as a happy and healthy child: “He was sweet and professional. He always knew his lines by heart and had lots of stuffed animals on set. He was the only child on set. That meant he had to grow up faster than other children.” That caused him problems later on. The film industry is therefore to blame for the misery: “His mental health problems cost Benji his life. For me, that just confirms that children do not belong on Hollywood sets.” The reason: “It’s all about money.”
It is still unclear how Gregory, who was found dead in his car, died. He may have died of heat stroke due to the high temperatures. His dog was also found dead next to him. He leaves behind his wife, whom he married in 2006. The couple lived in Arizona.
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Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
