Michu Meszaros, the diminutive circus star who portrayed the title character on ALF, died over the weekend after spending several days in a coma.
He was 76 years old.
According Meszaros’ manager, per TMZ, the 33-inch tall actor was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital last week after being found unresponsive.
He had been in a coma since that incident and never regained consciousness before passing away.
Born in Hungary, Michu started performing in the circus in his teens.
He earned the title “the smallest man on earth” over the course of his career and eventually joined Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus in the 1970s.
Sources have confirmed to TMZ that Michu was close acquaintances with Michael Jackson after the iconic singer saw him perform at the aforementioned circus.
He was reportedly a regular at Neverland Ranch and was a pretty steady presence during Jackson’s courtship to Lisa Marie Presley.
Michu’s acting resume also includes roles on episodes of H.R. Pufnstuf and Dear John.
Additionally, he appeared in films like Big Top Pee-wee and Look Who’s Talking.
ALF aired from 1986-1990 on NBC.
The alien at the center of the sitcom was voiced by Paul Fusco and typically only shown from the waist up, which permitted puppeteers to control his movements.
But there were scenes that required his entire body to be shown and that was when Michu came into play.
