Story perspectives

Actor Michael Keating, Blake’s 7 Star, Dies at 79

5/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Actor Michael Keating, born in London on 10 February 1947, died at age 79, reported on 21 May 2026.
He portrayed Vila Restal in the BBC sci-fi series Blake’s 7 (1978-1981), appearing in 52 episodes and reprising the role in Big Finish audio productions praised for his comic timing.
From 2005-2017 he played Reverend Stevens in EastEnders, where his scene showed him telling Dot Cotton he was retiring and moving to Australia to live with his daughter.

History

Historical Context

Patrick Troughton, who revived Doctor Who as the Second Doctor from 1966-1969 and returned three times between 1972 and 1985, died of a heart attack on 28 March 1987 while attending the Magnum Opus Con II convention in Columbus, Georgia. His career exemplifies the rise of British televised science-fiction in the 1960s and its growing international fan base.

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Story summary

Actor Michael Keating, born in London on 10 February 1947, died at age 79, reported on 21 May 2026.
He portrayed Vila Restal in the BBC sci-fi series Blake’s 7 (1978-1981), appearing in 52 episodes and reprising the role in Big Finish audio productions praised for his comic timing.
From 2005-2017 he played Reverend Stevens in EastEnders, where his scene showed him telling Dot Cotton he was retiring and moving to Australia to live with his daughter.

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