Michu Meszaros, Actor Who Played Alf, Dies At 76

Michu Meszaros, the actor who played the titular character in 80s sitcom ALF, has died. He was 76.

Michu Meszaros Dies

Meszaros’ death was confirmed by Dennis Varga, the actor’s longtime friend and manager, to CNN. He passed away Sunday night following a stroke last Thursday, according to Varga. Meszaros had been found unconscious at his home in Los Angeles last week. Following his hospitalization, a Go Fund Me page was created for a “Celebrate Life Fund” for Meszaros.

“We need his fans to gather together to help with the expenses of his ‘Life Celebration.’ Since Michu has not worked in many years, and medical expenses have piled up, we have nothing to properly send him off. Please help us in this amazing cause. We need to raise as much money as we can for any more medical expenses and funeral/burial expenses when the time comes,” the page reads. “Please help us finally give Michu the respect he deserves and a ‘send off’ worthy of Hollywood’s biggest little star!”

Meszaros, who had stood only 2 feet, 9 inches tall, had found fame playing ALF, the sarcastic alien on the popular TV show. Though actor Paul Fusco voiced ALF, it was Meszaros who had donned the body suit to play the alien member of the Tanner family on the program that ran from 1986-1990.

Prior to landing the job on ALF, Meszaros had made a name for himself in the Ringling Brothers and Bailey Circus. His talents earned him invitations to perform for President Jimmy Carter and President Ronald Reagan. They also paved the way for his introduction to Michael Jackson, with whom he eventually became close friends.

In addition to ALF, Meszaros’ credits include TV show Big Top Pee-wee and feature films Dear John and Look Who’s Talking.