Michael Keating death: Popular Eastenders and Blake's 7 star dies aged 79
Actor appeared as Reverend Stevens in 50 episodes of the BBC soap between 2005 and 2017
www.independent.co.ukMichael Keating, known for Blake’s 7 and EastEnders, has recently died at age 79. He was widely remembered for Vila Restal on Blake’s 7 and Reverend George Stevens on EastEnders.
Overview
- Blake’s 7: Keating portrayed Vila Restal, a fan-favorite aboard the Liberator, across the series’ run. The character is celebrated for his warmth and wit, contributing significantly to the show’s dynamic.[3][8]
- EastEnders: He played Reverend George Stevens, a recurring clergy character in Walford from 2005 to 2017, appearing in numerous episodes and interacting with central cast members.[9][3]
Notable tributes
- Fans and industry colleagues shared condolences and memories, highlighting his kindness, warmth, and the impact of his work on Blake’s 7 and EastEnders. Public memorials and social media tributes referenced his roles and his contributions to both series.[5][3]
Additional context
- Keating’s career also included appearances in other British TV productions such as Casualty and Midsomer Murders, as well as stage work in London theatre, reflecting a versatile acting career beyond his two most famous roles.[3]
If you’d like, I can pull concise biographical notes, a timeline of his major roles, or pull quotes from tributes and obituaries to include in a short obituary-style piece. I can also summarize fan reactions or compile a brief filmography.