ALF: Where is the cast of the comedy sitcom today?
LATE 1980s hit sitcom series ALF was famous for its furry alien that crash-lands in a suburban garage and gets taken in by the Tanner family.
Running 1986-1990, it featured four seasons and 102 episodes, with the alien named ALF – Alien Life Form – known for comments about humans and wanting to eat the family cat.
Warner Bros in 2018 attempted a series reboot, although it was canned before it began.
More than three decades on from the series ending, many viewers are left wondering where the stars of the show are now – particularly after the shock news surrounding Benji Gregory, who played Brian.
Paul Fusco
Fusco was the man behind ALF as a puppeteer and voice actor.
He continued his puppeteer career in TV series Spacecats before featuring on ALF guest appearances in a range of shows.
They’ve included the likes of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Young Sheldon and The Simpsons.
Mihaly ‘Michu’ Meszaros
On occasions ALF’s full body was captured moving about, Michu – a 2’9″ actor and circus performer – became the man behind the alien.
He was said to be in detailed ALF costume in at least 10 episodes, making the character seem more realistic than a mere puppet.
Michu gained work in other roles in the years that followed, including ‘Death to Cupid’ as recently as 2015.
But according to Entertainment Weekly, he sadly passed in 2016 aged 76 amid health complications.
Max Wright
Wright was the actor portraying Willie Tanner, the father of the family who welcomed in the alien.
He mostly made guest appearances after the show’s death, before a leading role as Max Denby for TV series Norm from 1999-2001.
In 2019, he died aged 75 due to cancer.
Anne Schedeen
Schedeen played Willie Tanner’s wife Anne.
She was known for her work in shows before ALF, but after it had roles in Judging Amy (2001) and Tiny Nuts (2014).
But now aged 75, her acting days are behind her as she enjoys life in retirement.
Andrea Elson
Elson played Lynn Tanner, the daughter and eldest child of the household who became one of ALF’s closest allies.
She featured on a series of shows following the starring role in the science fiction sitcom.
But now Elson focuses on family and appears to have opted for a more laid-back lifestyle, turning her attention to becoming a yoga instructor.
Benji Gregory
Benji played Brian Tanner, often simply referred to as “B”.
With his acting career ahead of him, he gained roles in films Never Forget, Lady Against the Odds and Once Upon a Forest.
He also had character voicing roles in the animated Back to the Future series.
Sick of the entertainment industry, he decided to join the navy – but was forced to step down due to medical concerns.
Benji suffered a shock death on June 13 in a car park in Arizona.
He and his dog were both found dead with the scorching temperatures believed to be responsible, although an official cause is yet to be revealed.
Sister Rebecca Pfaffinger wrote on Facebook: “It is with a heavy heart my family has suffered a loss way too early.
“Ben was a great Son, Brother and Uncle. He was fun to be around and made us laugh quite often.
“Still, going through his things, I find myself laughing at little videos or notes of his, in between crying.”
John LaMotta
LaMotta was one of the Tanners’ neighbours, playing Trevor Ochmonek.
LaMotta won roles in many shows, including: Who’s the Boss?, Growing Pains, Sinatra, Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, ER, Fraiser, and The Nanny.
He also featured in films Pet Shop, Vampire in Brooklyn, Five Aces, The Godson, and Motel Blue.
Despite its standing in sitcom history, he referred to ALF as the “worst work I ever did”.
He died in 2014 aged 75.
Liz Sheridan
In ALF, Sheridan was the wife of Trevor, named Raquel.
Sheridan enjoyed a long and highly successful career in TV and film after ALF – most known for her role in the legendary series Seinfeld.
She played Jerry’s mother Helen.
She passed away in 2022 aged 93.