The series “Alf” made Benji Gregory a star in the eighties. Now he has died at the age of 46. His series mother, actress Anne Schedeen, has now spoken out about his death in clear 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, alias head of the family Willie Tanner, died of cancer in 2019 at the age of 75, the former child star and Brian actor Benji Gregory was also found dead on June 13th under still unclear circumstances. He was only 46 years old. Now his series mother Kate, the US actress Anne Schedeen, spoke in an interview with the 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 the 75-year-old. Gregory 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.”
Benji Gregory ended his acting career after “Alf”
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 discharged due to medical problems.
Death at 46
He was Alf’s best friend: Farewell to child star Benji Gregory
It is not known what kind of illness he had at the time. But Schedeen also apparently knew about 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’s why he had to grow up faster than other children.” That caused him problems later on. Scheeden blames the film industry for the misery: “His mental problems cost Benji his life. For me, that just confirms that children don’t belong on Hollywood sets.”
Gregory was found dead in his car. How he died remains unclear. As his sister Rebecca told the police, he may have died of heat stroke due to the high temperatures. His dog was also found dead next to him. Benji Gregory 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.
