Born on May 26, 1978, in the suburbs of Los Angeles, California, Benji began his acting career at a young age. Throughout the 1980s, he graced television screens with appearances in popular shows such as The A-Team, T.J. Hooker, Punky Brewster, The Twilight Zone, and Steven Spielberg’s Amazing Stories.
However, it was his role as Brian Tanner on the beloved series ALF that made him a household name. From 1986 to 1990, Benji charmed audiences as the youngest member of the Tanner family, sharing scenes with the iconic alien character ALF.
Family vacation packages
Outside of acting, Benji was known for his deep love of animals—especially dogs. His Instagram bio proudly read: “Fan of dogs, travel, late-night runs, music, podcasting, Navy, bipolar disorder awareness, major depressive disorder, GAD, ALF, VR, Nike, Cinema 4D, Creative Cloud.” His loyal service dog, Hans, wasn’t just a companion—he was a source of strength and connection.
One day, something unexpected happened that took Benji and Hans away from the spotlight they so effortlessly lit up. While the exact circumstances remain unclear, those close to him believe he may have simply gone out on a routine errand, only to face an unforeseen tragedy due to extreme heat. The loss of both Benji and his devoted companion left a deep silence among those who knew and admired them.
