Sid James attack while performing on stage at the Sunderland Empire Theatre; he died in hospital an hour later. Some, including comedian Les Dawson, claim to have seen the ghost of James at the theatre, and subsequently refused to appear at the theatre again. James was born Solomon Joel Cohen on 8 May 1913, to Jewish parents in South Africa, later changing his name to Sidney Joel Cohen, and then Sidney James. His family lived on Hancock Street in Hillbrow, Johannesburg. Upon moving to the UK later in life, he claimed various previous occupations, including diamond cutter, dance tutor and boxer; in
John Alford (actor) John Alford (actor) John Alford (born John James Shannon; 30 October 1971) is a Scottish-born English actor. He is known for his roles as Robbie Wright in the BBC series "Grange Hill" (1985–90) and Billy Ray in the ITV series "London's Burning" (1993–98). He also had three Top 30 hits on the UK Singles Chart in 1996. Born in Glasgow, Alford attended Anna Scher's stage school from age 11 in London, alongside future "EastEnders" actors Sid Owen and Patsy Palmer. He appeared as a child actor in ITV sitcom "Now and Then" before landing the role of Robbie Wright in