ALF type TV Show network NBC genre Sitcom

ALF actor Mihaly “Michu” Meszaros died Monday at the age of 76, EW has confirmed. The news comes one week after Meszaros was reportedly found unconscious in his home and hospitalized in Los Angeles, where he slipped into a coma for several days.

At 2-foot-9, Meszaros was unofficially known as the smallest man on Earth. Peforming with the circus since the age of 14, the Hungarian-born actor first rose to prominence in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during the ’70s. He toured throughout the U.S. and Canada putting on shows for the likes of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. He even befriended his idol, Michael Jackson, along the way.

Meszaros later landed a role as the title character on ’80s NBC sitcom ALF, which ran from 1986 to 1990. He performed in the furry alien suit whenever ALF’s full body was shown. (Paul Fusco is the man behind ALF’s voice.)

Meszaros also picked up gigs in Warlock: Armageddon and Freaked in 1993. His additional credits include episodes of Dear John and H.R. Pufnstuf, as well as films Look Who’s Talking and Big Top Pee-wee.

According to TMZ, Meszaros had suffered from health problems since experiencing a stroke eight years ago.

A GoFundMe page was recently launched to help with medical fees as Meszaros fought for his life, and now stands to pay for funeral costs.