ALF Star Michu Meszaros Dead At 76

Circus star Michu Meszaros, the man who played the titular character on the popular '80s sitcom ALF, died June 12, 2016, according to BBC News. Meszaros was reportedly found unresponsive in his Los Angeles-area home, rushed to a hospital, and spent several days in a coma before his passing. He was 76.

According to BBC News, the Hungarian-born actor—who stood just 2 feet, 9 inches tall—was billed as the "smallest man on earth" during his days as a circus performer. He worked for big-named big tops such as Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. During his stint on ALF, which ran from 1986 until 1990, Meszaros wore a full-body suit, allowing the show to use a real actor instead of puppets. The role was voiced by Paul Fusco.

TMZ said Meszaros was a close friend of the late Michael Jackson and "reportedly a regular at Neverland Ranch, present during MJ's courtship to Lisa Marie and even knew Michael's kids."

Meszaros performed for Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan, reported BBC News. Other credits include roles in Big Top Pee-wee and Look Who's Talking.

In the wake of Meszaros' death, his manager, Dennis Varga, set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for funeral and medical expenses. The page surpassed its goal of raising $1,500 in just two days.