Michael Keating, the actor who brought a light touch to the role of the wily yet hapless thief Vila in the BBC science-fiction series Blake's 7 and spent 13 years as the Rev George Stevens in EastEnders, has died aged 79.
Early life and career
Keating was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, the younger child of Gwendoline (nee Barker) and her husband, Frank, a printer. In 1957 the family emigrated to Australia as ten-pound poms but returned after only six months, settling in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. He attended Mount Grace secondary school, leaving at 16 to work in the offices of the United Artists talent agency. After Saturday morning drama classes, in 1964 he won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he earned the gold medal for his year. He immediately found work as an assistant stage manager at the Nottingham Playhouse, then performed in repertory in Pitlochry, Manchester, and Belfast, where he played Romeo in 1971. He joined the National Theatre in 1974, appearing in its first season at the South Bank in 1976.
Blake's 7
Keating's most famous role came in Blake's 7 (1978-81), created by Terry Nation as "the Dirty Dozen in space." The show featured morally ambiguous protagonists fighting the evil Federation. Keating played Vila Restal, a genial, cowardly lock-picker with a knack for self-preservation. He was cast on the spot after a strong audition. Nation initially planned to write Vila out in the second season, but an audience poll showed viewers loved the character, so instead the gentle giant Gan (David Jackson) was killed off. Keating's comedic gifts and innate likability made Vila increasingly popular. When Gareth Thomas left in 1979, Paul Darrow's Avon became the lead, and his sparring with Keating became a highlight. Darrow called Keating "a born comedian with exquisite timing." Keating appeared in every episode, including the memorable finale where the crew are apparently gunned down. He later revisited the role in audio books for Big Finish Productions (2013-23) and won an episode of Pointless Celebrities with Darrow in 2018.
Other television and film work
Keating's only film role was a small part in the 1970 film of Julius Caesar, where he corrected Charlton Heston's line reading. On television, he appeared in Doctor Who (1977), Yes Minister (1981), The Bill (1994), and two episodes of Casualty (1995 and 2000, reuniting with Gareth Thomas in the first). In 2005 he joined EastEnders as the Rev George Stevens, ultimately appearing in over 50 episodes, conducting weddings and funerals, and counseling Dot Cotton (June Brown). The character retired to Australia.
Stage work
Keating also performed on stage, including Marty in the original West End production of Alan Bleasdale's Elvis musical Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1985), Sidney Bruhl in Deathtrap (Cheltenham, 1991), Eddie in A View from the Bridge (Westcliff-on-Sea), Otto Frank in The Diary of Anne Frank (Ipswich, 1998), and Robert in the European premiere of David Auburn's Proof (Vienna, 2002).
Personal life
His first marriage to Tina Hutchinson ended during Blake's 7, but he remained in Stoke Newington to be near their daughter, Lisa. In 1998 he met Sue Conner, a teacher, through a local ramblers' club; they married in 2006 and settled in Peckham. He is survived by Sue, Lisa, his sister Ann, and seven grandchildren. Michael Frank Keating, actor, born 10 February 1947; died 26 April 2026.
