'Alf' actor Michu Meszaros dead at age 76

LOS ANGELES, June 13 (UPI) -- Michu Meszaros has died at age 76.

The Hungarian-born actor, who played the title character on NBC sitcom Alf, died after falling into a coma earlier this month, his manager, Dennis Varga, told TMZ.

Meszaros was discovered unresponsive at his home over a week ago and hospitalized in Los Angeles. Varga previously told the website the actor had been in poor health since suffering a stroke eight years ago.

The Alf star had reportedly given Varga strict instructions to not remove him from life support. Meszaros had been living with Varga and his family since 1985, according to a Go Fund Me page for the actor's funeral expenses.

Richard Leo LaMotte, who set up the crowdfunding page, reported the family will cremate Meszaros and hold a memorial service at a later time. He said they also hope to have an internment for the actor in Hollywood.

Meszaros, who stood 33 inches tall, wore the Alf costume for walking and running shots during Alf's four-season run from 1986 to 1990. The actor performed at the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus before landing the part of Alf.