Actor Michael Keating, the beloved British TV star best known for his work on Blake’s 7 and EastEnders, has died. He was 79.
Keating’s agent, Dan Ireson, confirmed the sad news, saying the actor died peacefully at home on Sunday, April 26, after struggling with dementia.
For fans of classic British television, Keating was an unforgettable face. The Edmonton, England, native began his acting career in the late 1960s and 1970s, appearing in a long list of TV shows including Special Branch, Merry-Go-Round, Omnibus, The Dragon’s Opponent and Doctor Who.
But his major breakthrough came in 1978, when he landed the role that would make him a sci-fi favorite.
Keating starred as Vila Restal on the BBC space drama Blake’s 7, a dark, dystopian series about rebels fighting back against a ruthless totalitarian regime that had taken control of Earth.
His character, a clever petty thief with a sharp sense of humor, became one of the show’s most memorable figures. Keating was also the only cast member to appear in all 52 episodes of the series, making him a true cornerstone of the cult classic.
Years later, Keating found a new generation of fans through EastEnders, the long-running BBC soap opera. He played Reverend George Stevens from 2005 to 2017, appearing in 54 episodes.
As Walford’s vicar, Reverend Stevens was often there for some of the soap’s biggest life moments, including christenings, weddings and funerals.
Keating also returned to the world of Blake’s 7 in audio form, reprising his role as Vila Restal for several podcast and audio series, including Blake’s 7: The Liberator Chronicles, Blake’s 7: The Classic Adventures and The Worlds of Blake’s 7.
His work behind the microphone left a lasting impression on those who worked with him.
Peter Anghelides, an audio producer for Blake’s 7, remembered Keating as a joy to have in the studio.
“I would sit at the back of the Audio Sorcery control room hooting with laughter at his comic timing in our recordings,” Anghelides said in a statement released by Big Finish Productions.
He also recalled Keating joking about naming a planet after TV director and producer Vere Lorrimer, an idea Anghelides later slipped into a script.
“What a joy it was to work with Michael,” Anghelides added. “His cheery presence on studio days was always most welcome.”