Grange Hill’ Actor John Alford Found Dead in Prison Cell at 54: British actor John Alford, best known for his roles in Grange Hill and London’s Burning, was found dead in his cell at His Majesty’s Prison Bure in Norfolk on March 13, authorities confirmed. He was 54. A Prison Service spokesperson told the BBC that Alford, whose legal name was John Shannon, died while in custody. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate the circumstances surrounding his death, which is routine for all deaths in custody. By Donnell Ballard