British actor Michael Keating, best known for his roles in the science fiction series Blake's 7 and the BBC soap opera EastEnders, has died at the age of 79.
The announcement was made by publisher Cult Edge on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
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Keating began his career on stage at the Nottingham Playhouse before moving to the National Theatre and the Old Vic.
He became a fixture of British television by appearing in all 52 episodes of Blake's 7 and later playing a recurring character in EastEnders for over a decade.
Tributes from Colleagues and Fans
The news of his death prompted an outpouring of remembrances 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."
Film producer Keith Barnfather, who worked with Keating at a Dorset filming location, praised his personality. "Such a fun, generous, kind spirit.
My deepest condolences to his family and every Blake's 7 fan out there," he wrote.
Peter Anghelides, a producer for Big Finish who oversaw Blake's 7 audio stories, recalled working with Keating decades after first meeting him at BBC Television Centre in 1981.
"What a joy it was to work with Michael. His cheery presence on studio days was always most welcome," he said.
Anghelides noted that Keating's performance secured the character Vila's longevity, even when series creator Terry Nation considered dropping him.
"At one point in planning the second series, Terry Nation thought that Vila was a ‘borderline case’ for being dropped, until the production team acknowledged the character’s popularity – in no small part thanks to Michael’s adroit performance," he added.
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Fans also shared memories of Keating's portrayal of the lock-picking criminal Vila Restal.
One fan wrote: "As Vila Restal, Michael Keating brought wonderful lightness, warmth, fear, drama, and humour to the character.
Vila was integral to Blake's 7."
Another fan praised the character's status: "Michael Keating, the best thief in the galaxy. Another childhood hero gone.
And Vila was a hero! RIP."
A third fan highlighted his consistent acting: "Very sad to hear that Michael Keating has passed away.
A genuinely lovely man, and he was absolutely brilliant in every single episode of Blake’s 7. RIP."
Extensive Television Career
Beyond Blake's 7 and EastEnders, Keating's screen credits included roles in Doctor Who stories like The Sun Makers in 1977, as well as appearances in Yes Minister, Casualty, Midsomer Murders, The Bill, and London's Burning.
He also portrayed Reverend George Stevens in EastEnders from 2005 to 2017.
Keating's contribution to Blake's 7 was widely acknowledged.
The official X account for Space Fall: A Blake's 7 Podcast stated: "Blake's 7 wouldn't have been what it was without him.
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Some of the most memorable moments were all down to him."
