New York (CNN) This story was originally published on June 13, 2016, shortly after Michu Meszaros died. Due to the addition of a new photo gallery, the timestamp automatically updated to December 29. CNN regrets any confusion this may have caused.

Michu Meszaros, the actor who played "ALF" in the popular '80s sitcom, has died, according to longtime friend and manager Dennis Varga.

Meszaros, who stood only 33 inches tall, had a stroke last Thursday and had been hospitalized since. Varga says the 76-year-old actor died Sunday night, June 12 2016.

Meszaros wore a full-body suit to portray the alien wiseguy "ALF," which was sometimes portrayed by a puppet. The character was voiced by another actor, Paul Fusco. The NBC series ran four seasons.