The soap and sci-fi worlds are in mourning today after the passing of a man who featured heavily in both.
Michael Keating, 79, was born on February 10, 1947, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England. He died sometime in May this year, with no cause of death yet disclosed.
He played Reverend George Stevens in British soap opera “Eastenders” between 2005 and 2017. Keating was also known for his starring role in the British sci-fi series “Blake’s 7” from 1978 until 1981, and for acting and voice acting in various “Doctor Who” media.
Specifically, Keating appeared in 54 episodes of “Eastenders,” 52 episodes of “Blake’s 7,” and four episodes of the “Doctor Who” serial “The Sun Makers” in 1977.
Lending his voice to radio and CD audio dramas, Keating’s credits included “Blake’s 7,” “Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures,” “Blake’s 7: A Rebellion Reborn,” “Blake’s 7: The Liberator Chronicles,” Blake’s 7: The Classic Adventures,” Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures,” and “The Worlds of Blake’s 7.”
Keating’s other television credits included episodes of sci-fi series “Doomwatch,” political satire sitcom “Yes Minster,” children’s series “Rainbow,” sitcom “The Two of Us,” drama series “London’s Burning,” police procedural series “The Bill,” medical drama series “Casualty,” and mystery series “Midsomer Murders” (per IMDb).
His passing was announced on X on Thursday, May 21.
A Book Publisher Announced Michael Keating’s Passing on X
Cult Edge, the company that publishes the “Blake’s 7” books, announced Michael Keating’s passing on X.
They wrote, “So terribly sad to hear reports that we’ve lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He’ll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx.”
Sci-fi fans mourned in the comments, sharing their memories and thoughts about Keating openly.
One fan wrote, “When you attend regular signing shows and comic cons, you get so used to seeing actors over and over – much like family and friends – and it makes it so much more painful when they pass. Last saw him at the 40th anniversary con, which seems like just yesterday.”
Another X user said, “Oh, that’s so sad. I saw someone else post it and really hoped it wasn’t true. He was wonderful as Vila. RIP Michael and condolences to all his family and friends.”
Someone else noted, “Oh dear….appeared in all 52 episodes – and he played Goudry in the DW story ‘The Sunmakers’.”
Finally, one person commented, “Watching it as a kid, Villa was my favourite. He was funny and sympathetic. His sorrow at watching Zen die is heartbreaking. Let’s raise a glass to Michael tonight. RIP sir, Standard by Ten.”
The ‘Doctor Who’ Appreciation Society Announced Keating’s Passing on Instagram
Michael Keating’s passing was also announced on Instagram by the “Doctor Who Appreciation Society” account.
The account wrote, “We’re very sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Keating, who played Goudry in The Sun Makers – but who will be best remembered as the lovable rogue Vila Restal in Blake’s 7.”
It went on, “His many other television appearances included EastEnders, Yes Minister, Casualty, Midsomer Murders and The Bill.”
The post’s caption finished by simply saying, “RIP.”
Of course, “Doctor Who” fans had plenty to say about Keating’s passing in the comments section.
One Instagram user said, “Ah, Vila. A sweet performance as part of The Seven, refreshingly cowardly. Used to see him now and again around Stoke Newington way back when. RIP.”
Another fan commented, “So sorry to hear of passing. I had hoped we would have seen him in the Blakes 7 revival: I will miss that lovable rogue 💔💔.”
Someone else wrote, “Oh no!! This is terrible news!! What a horrible loss 😢 RIP to the sharp-witted Michael Keating. The cosmic Liberator crew just added another member ❤️.”
Last but not least, one person noted, “Very sad news. Villa was and is such an enduring character 😢.”
We’d like to send our heartfelt condolences to Michael Keating’s family and friends at this sad time. May he rest in eternal peace.
