Michael Keating, the actor best known for playing the wily thief Vila in the BBC science-fiction series Blake's 7 and the Rev George Stevens in EastEnders, has died at the age of 79.
Early life and career
Keating was born in Edmonton, Middlesex, on 10 February 1947, the younger child of Gwendoline (nee Barker) and Frank Keating, a printer. In 1957, the family emigrated to Australia as ten-pound poms, but returned after six months and settled in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire. He left school at 16 to work at the United Artists talent agency, but later won a scholarship to the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, where he earned the gold medal. After graduating, he worked as an assistant stage manager at the Nottingham Playhouse and performed in repertory theatres across the UK, including the Belfast Lyric Theatre, where he played Romeo in 1971. He joined the National Theatre in 1974 and appeared in its first season at the South Bank.
Blake's 7
Keating's most famous role was Vila Restal, the cowardly but lovable thief in Blake's 7 (1978-81), created by Terry Nation. The show, described as "the Dirty Dozen in space," followed a group of rebels fighting a totalitarian Federation. Keating's audition was so strong that he was cast immediately. His comedic timing and likability made Vila a fan favourite; when the producers planned to kill off the character in the second season, an audience poll saved him, and the gentle giant Gan was written out instead. After Gareth Thomas left, Keating's sparring with Paul Darrow's Avon became a highlight. Darrow called Keating "a born comedian with exquisite timing." Keating appeared in every episode and later reprised the role in audio dramas for Big Finish Productions.
EastEnders and other roles
In 2005, Keating joined EastEnders as the Rev George Stevens, a role he played for 13 years, appearing in over 50 episodes. The character conducted weddings and funerals and offered counsel to Dot Cotton. He also appeared in Doctor Who (1977), Yes Minister (1981), The Bill (1994), and Casualty (1995 and 2000). His only film role was in the 1970 Julius Caesar, where he corrected Charlton Heston's line reading.
Stage work
Keating performed in numerous stage productions, including Are You Lonesome Tonight? (1985), Deathtrap (1991), A View from the Bridge, The Diary of Anne Frank (1998), and Proof (2002).
Personal life
Keating's first marriage to Tina Hutchinson ended during Blake's 7. He later met Sue Conner, a teacher, through a ramblers' club in 1998; they married in 2006. He is survived by Sue, his daughter Lisa from his first marriage, his sister Ann, and seven grandchildren.
