John Alkin: From Screen Stardom to Spiritual Healing

John Alkin, born John Kenneth Foinquinos on January 17, 1947, in Rugby, Warwickshire, England, is a former British television actor best known for roles in The Sweeney, Crown Court, and Z-Cars. Renowned for his commanding presence in the 1970s and early 1980s, Alkin later left acting to dedicate his life to spiritual healing alongside his wife, Lee Everett Alkin. Today, he remains a fascinating figure whose career shift from the limelight to a life of service continues to inspire curiosity about his age, family, net worth, and legacy.

Early Life and Background

John Alkin was born as John Kenneth Foinquinos on January 17, 1947, in the historic market town of Rugby in Warwickshire, England. Growing up in post-war Britain, he developed a passion for performance early on, though acting wasn’t his first career ambition. His surname, Foinquinos, hints at Mediterranean heritage, which added to his distinctive look and presence on screen.

Alkin attended local schools in Warwickshire and explored various jobs before entering the acting profession. Like many British actors of his generation, his early years involved small theatre roles and bit parts in television before landing his breakthrough on some of Britain’s most popular crime dramas.

Rise to Fame in British Television

The 1970s were a golden era for gritty, character-driven British television dramas, and John Alkin found himself at the centre of it. He became best known for playing DC Tom Daniels in The Sweeney, a hard-hitting police series that remains one of ITV’s most celebrated productions. His portrayal balanced toughness with intelligence, earning praise from audiences and critics alike.

Another of his standout roles was Barry Deeley Q.C. in Crown Court, where he demonstrated a completely different style of acting — sophisticated, methodical, and rooted in courtroom drama. His ability to shift from a streetwise detective to a sharp legal mind showcased his impressive range.

Over the years, Alkin appeared in other popular shows such as:

Z-Cars – one of the longest-running police series in British TV history.

Timeslip – a cult science fiction series.

Space: 1999 – a fan-favorite space adventure.

The Sandbaggers – a political and espionage drama.

Doctor Who – where he appeared in the “Planet of Fire” storyline.

Minder and Secret Army – more examples of his versatility across genres.

John Alkin Age

As of 2025, John Alkin is 78 years old. Born on January 17, 1947, he belongs to a generation of actors who came of age during the transformative decades of the 1960s and 70s. His age not only marks the passage of time but also underlines the rich historical and cultural backdrop that influenced his acting career.

The Turning Point – Leaving the Spotlight

By the early 1980s, Alkin’s career was thriving, yet he felt drawn to a more meaningful path outside the entertainment industry. While many actors look to prolong their fame, Alkin chose to step away from television at the height of his popularity.

This decision coincided with a personal transformation. Alongside his second wife, Lee Everett Alkin (a singer, author, and former wife of DJ/comedian Kenny Everett), he turned toward spiritual exploration and healing. The couple opened a spiritual healing centre, dedicating themselves to helping others through holistic and metaphysical practices.

John Alkin Family

John Alkin has been a private individual regarding his personal life, but some details are public:

Wife: Lee Everett Alkin, a well-known personality in her own right, whom he married in 1985. She passed away in 2020.

Family Life: While there is no widely available record of children, the couple shared a deep partnership both personally and professionally, particularly in their spiritual ventures.

Connection to Kenny Everett: Through Lee, Alkin was connected to the legendary British comedian and DJ, who even served as best man at their wedding.

Spiritual Journey and Healing Work

In the mid-1980s, Alkin and Lee established The House of Spirit in London, a centre dedicated to spiritual growth and alternative healing practices. They later founded Obsidian College in Berkshire, offering courses in spiritual development, psychic awareness, and healing arts.

Alkin’s work in this field was not a casual hobby — it became his full-time calling. He was known for his gentle approach, compassion, and commitment to helping people find balance in their lives. His transition from actor to healer was a testament to his willingness to follow his convictions, even when it meant leaving fame behind.

John Alkin Net Worth

While exact figures are not publicly confirmed, John Alkin’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. This figure reflects both his successful acting career and his later entrepreneurial ventures in spiritual healing. Unlike many actors who invest heavily in luxury lifestyles, Alkin’s later life was more modest and purpose-driven, focused on his healing work rather than material accumulation.

John Alkin Wikipedia Summary

A John Alkin Wikipedia entry confirms key facts:

Birth name: John Kenneth Foinquinos.

Birth date: January 17, 1947.

Birthplace: Rugby, Warwickshire, England.

Occupations: Television actor (1970–1984), spiritual healer (1980s onward).

Notable roles: DC Tom Daniels in The Sweeney, Barry Deeley Q.C. in Crown Court, appearances in Z-Cars, Timeslip, Doctor Who, and more.

Married to Lee Everett Alkin until her passing in 2020.

Legacy in British Television

John Alkin may have left acting decades ago, but his influence endures. Fans of The Sweeney and Crown Court still recall his performances as standouts in their respective genres. He represented the kind of actor who could bring authenticity and depth to any role, whether playing a law enforcer, a lawyer, or a guest character in science fiction and espionage dramas.

In the era of streaming, younger viewers continue to discover his work, often impressed by the naturalistic acting style that defined much of 1970s British television.

Life Lessons from John Alkin’s Journey

Alkin’s life offers several lessons:

Courage to Change – Leaving a successful career for an entirely different path requires bravery.

Purpose Over Fame – His choice highlights the value of personal fulfillment over public recognition.

Adaptability – Moving from acting to spiritual healing shows a capacity to reinvent oneself.

Later Years and Current Life

Following decades in spiritual work, Alkin has largely stepped back from public appearances. While not active in the entertainment industry, he remains a figure of quiet inspiration to those who knew him through his healing centres. His later years have been characterized by reflection, privacy, and dedication to personal well-being.

Conclusion

John Alkin’s story is not just one of television success, but of profound personal transformation. From a celebrated actor in some of Britain’s most iconic series to a spiritual guide dedicated to healing, his journey defies the conventional trajectory of fame. His life reflects an unwavering commitment to authenticity, purpose, and the belief that true success lies not in applause but in the positive impact we have on others.