Michael Keating obit

Blake's 7 and EastEnders legend dies at age 79

 

He was not on the list.

Former Blake's 7 and EastEenders star Michael Keating has died at the age of 79.

The English actor was beloved by sci-fi fans due to his role as Villa Restal in the cult BBC series and the news of his passing was shared by Cult Edge - who publish Blake's 7 books - and numerous fan accounts on social media.

The official Cult Edge X account posted: "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"

Keith Barnfather - Film Producer at Reeltime Pictures - posted on Facebook: "MICHAEL KEATING 1947 - 2026

"More sad news. The passing of the absolutely lovely MICHAEL KEATING.

"VILA was probably my favourite character in BLAKE'S 7 and it was a total blast to meet Michael properly to film his MYTH MAKERS at Winspit Quarry in Dorset.

"Such a fun, generous, kind spirit. My deepest condolences to his family and every Blake's 7 fan out there."

In Blake's 7, Michael portrayed Villa Restal - a skilled thief and conjurer - in the space opera which was developed and written by Terry Nation, the man responsible for creating the Daleks and their leader Davros for Doctor Who.

Villa was the only character to appear in every episode of the four series which ran between 1978 and 1981.

Fans and Blake's 7 enthusiasts took to social media to pay tribute to Keating,

Jason Gilchrist (@jgilchrist13) posted on X: "Farewell to actor Michael Keating.

BLAKES 7 universe has lost another freedom fighter and star.

As Vila Restal #MichaelKeating brought wonderful lightness warmth fear drama humour to character.

Vila was integral to Blake's 7.

"I raise a glass of Adrenaline Soma to you. #Blakes7"

Paul Carmichael (@PaulCarmichaelV) - the writer producer/director of Sophie Aldred’s Ace Odyssey podcast - posted on X: "So sorry to hear that Michael Keating has died. A fine actor with a wonderful career, including a recurring role in #EastEnders, but to me he will always be the wonderful Vila in #Blakes7. RIP."

The official X account for Space Fall: A Blake's 7 Podcast posted: "We're both very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Keating.

"Blake's 7 wouldn't have been what it was without him.

"Some of the most memorable moments were all down to him, and by all accounts he was a wonderful chap. He'll be missed."

As well as his memorable role on Blake's 7, Michael was best known for playing Reverend George Stevens in BBC One soap EastEnders from 2005 to 2017.

Reverend Stevens was a recurring character and appeared for Walford christenings, marriages and funerals as well as having interactions with regular church goer Dot Branning, who was played by the late June Brown.

Other notable acting roles included parts in Yes Minister, The Bill and Midsomer Murders, whilst he also reunited with Blake's 7 co-star Gareth Thomas in an episode of the BBC medical drama Casualty.

Filmography

Film

Year     Title     Role     Notes

1970    Julius Caesar   Plebeian #2    

2009    Micro Men      Derek Holley   TV movie

Television

[3][2]

 

Year     Title     Role     Notes

1969    Special Branch            Det. Constable Pearce

1971    Merry-Go-Round        Saxon Prisoner            Episode: "The Raven and the Cross 1", TV Documentary

1972    Doomwatch     Stephen Grigg Episode: "Enquiry"

Omnibus          Dante   Episode: "Max Beerbohm Remembers", TV documentary

1973    The Dragon's Opponent          First mate        Episode: "The Drawn Sword", historical miniseries

1977    Doctor Who    Goudry            Serial: The Sun Makers

1978–1981      Blake's 7          Vila Restal       52 episodes

1980    The Dawson Watch     TBA    2 episodes: "The Future" & "Holidays", sci-fi comedy

1981    Yes Minister    Constable Ross           Episode: "The Death List"

1983    Paul Squire, Esq          TBA    Episode: "1.6", sketch and variety show

1986    Rainbow          Detective Inspector Frost        Episode: "Detectives"

1988    King & Castle Inspector Bell  Episode: "Floppy Discs", crime drama

1989    The Play on One         Daniel / Charlie           2 episodes: "Clowns" & "These Foolish Things"

Capital City     Estate agent     Episode: "Thanksgiving"

1990    The Two of Us Police sergeant            Episode: "Dangers in the Night"

London's Burning       A. C. O. Howard         Episode "3.7", role uncredited

1991    Kinsey Murray            Episode: "The Authentic Voice... Little Miss Goosestep"

1993    Between the Lines      Police Federation Rep.           Episode: "Some Must Watch"

1994    True Crimes    Reenactment    Episode: "The Deepest Secret", TV documentary

The Bill           Geoff Tilson    Episode: "Menace"

1995, 2000      Casualty          Graham Wingate / Pat Sadler  2 episodes: "Bringing It All Back Home" & "States of Shock"

2005–2013, 2015–2017          EastEnders      Reverend George Stevens       54 episodes

2009    Midsomer Murders     Derek Painter  Episode: "The Dogleg Murders"

Radio and CD audio dramas

Year     Title     Role     Notes

1998–1999      Blake's 7          Vila Restal       2 stories: "The Sevenfold Crown" & "The Syndeton Experiment"

1999–2000      Soldiers of Love         Mydas Mydasson        5 episodes, sci-fi comedy

2004, 2006      Doctor Who: The Monthly Adventures          Major Koth / Inspector Chardalot       2 serials: The Twilight Kingdom & Year of the Pig

2010    Graceless         Earl Kreekpolt Series 1

2010    Blake's 7: A Rebellion Reborn            Vila Restal       Episode: "When Vila Met Gan"

2012–2016      Blake's 7: The Liberator Chronicles   Vila Restal/Narrator    14 episodes

2013–2020      Blake's 7: The Classic Adventures      Vila Restal       34 episodes

2014    Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures Calvert Serial: The Evil One

2021–2022      The Worlds of Blake's 7          Vila Restal       3 episodes