The life of a remarkable individual, born in the vibrant neighborhood of Peckham, South London, to a family that had recently arrived from Cork, Ireland. His early years were marked by an education in the esteemed Leo Street School, followed by Walworth Central, where he laid the foundation for his future endeavors.
As he approached the age of 15, he left school to pursue a career in the railway wagon repair firm, initially as an office boy. However, his ambitions soon took him to a new role as a steward at a business men's club in Bishopsgate. Tragedy struck when he quarreled with a barmaid, who responded by squirting soda in his face, leaving him too frightened to confide in his parents. In a bold move, he fled to Brighton, only to find that the winter season had dried up job opportunities, forcing him to return home to a job in a silk warehouse in Cheapside.
At the tender age of 17, he bid farewell to his family and moved into lodgings in New Cross, where he discovered a newfound passion for the cinema, theatre, and amateur dramatics. His talents were soon recognized by a local group, and he won a scholarship to RADA in 1937, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
As he navigated the ups and downs of life, he met and married Barbara, a talented actress with a background in singing. Together, they welcomed two sets of twins, Jacob and Harriet, and Kelly and Louisa, all of whom demonstrated a natural inclination towards music. Alfred's professional life was forever changed when he landed the iconic role of private eye Frank Marker in the popular TV series Public Eye, cementing his status as a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
