<\/p>\n
The soap and sci-fi worlds are in mourning today after the passing of a man who featured heavily in both.<\/p>\n
Michael Keating, 79, was born on February 10, 1947, in Edmonton, Middlesex, England. He died sometime in May this year, with no cause of death yet disclosed.<\/p>\n
He played Reverend George Stevens in British soap opera \u201cEastenders<\/a>\u201d between 2005 and 2017. Keating was also known for his starring role in the British sci-fi series \u201cBlake\u2019s 7\u201d from 1978 until 1981, and for acting and voice acting in various \u201cDoctor Who<\/a>\u201d media.<\/p>\n Specifically, Keating appeared in 54 episodes of \u201cEastenders,\u201d 52 episodes of \u201cBlake\u2019s 7,\u201d and four episodes of the \u201cDoctor Who\u201d serial \u201cThe Sun Makers\u201d in 1977.<\/p>\n Lending his voice to radio and CD audio dramas, Keating\u2019s credits included \u201cBlake\u2019s 7,\u201d \u201cDoctor Who: The Monthly Adventures,\u201d \u201cBlake\u2019s 7: A Rebellion Reborn,\u201d \u201cBlake\u2019s 7: The Liberator Chronicles,\u201d Blake\u2019s 7: The Classic Adventures,\u201d Doctor Who: The Fourth Doctor Adventures,\u201d and \u201cThe Worlds of Blake\u2019s 7.\u201d<\/p>\n Keating\u2019s other television credits included episodes of sci-fi series \u201cDoomwatch,\u201d political satire sitcom \u201cYes Minster,\u201d children\u2019s series \u201cRainbow,\u201d sitcom \u201cThe Two of Us,\u201d drama series \u201cLondon\u2019s Burning,\u201d police procedural series \u201cThe Bill,\u201d medical drama series \u201cCasualty,\u201d and mystery series \u201cMidsomer Murders\u201d (per IMDb<\/a>).<\/p>\n His passing was announced on X on Thursday, May 21.<\/p>\n Cult Edge<\/a>, the company that publishes the \u201cBlake\u2019s 7\u201d books, announced Michael Keating\u2019s passing on X<\/a>.<\/p>\n They wrote, \u201cSo terribly sad to hear reports that we\u2019ve lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man. He\u2019ll be hugely missed. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Michael, and thank you xx.\u201d<\/p>\n Sci-fi fans mourned in the comments, sharing their memories and thoughts about Keating openly.<\/p>\n One fan<\/a> wrote, \u201cWhen you attend regular signing shows and comic cons, you get so used to seeing actors over and over \u2013 much like family and friends \u2013 and it makes it so much more painful when they pass. Last saw him at the 40th anniversary con, which seems like just yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n Another X user<\/a> said, \u201cOh, that\u2019s so sad. I saw someone else post it and really hoped it wasn\u2019t true. He was wonderful as Vila. RIP Michael and condolences to all his family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone else<\/a> noted, \u201cOh dear\u2026.appeared in all 52 episodes \u2013 and he played Goudry in the DW story \u2018The Sunmakers\u2019.\u201d<\/p>\n Finally, one person<\/a> commented, \u201cWatching it as a kid, Villa was my favourite. He was funny and sympathetic. His sorrow at watching Zen die is heartbreaking. Let\u2019s raise a glass to Michael tonight. RIP sir, Standard by Ten.\u201d<\/p>\n Michael Keating\u2019s passing was also announced on Instagram<\/a> by the \u201cDoctor Who Appreciation Society\u201d account<\/a>.<\/p>\n The account wrote, \u201cWe\u2019re very sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Keating, who played Goudry in The Sun Makers \u2013 but who will be best remembered as the lovable rogue Vila Restal in Blake\u2019s 7.\u201d<\/p>\n It went on, \u201cHis many other television appearances included EastEnders, Yes Minister, Casualty, Midsomer Murders and The Bill.\u201d<\/p>\n The post\u2019s caption finished by simply saying, \u201cRIP.\u201d<\/p>\n Of course, \u201cDoctor Who\u201d fans had plenty to say about Keating\u2019s passing in the comments section.<\/p>\n One Instagram user<\/a> said, \u201cAh, Vila. A sweet performance as part of The Seven, refreshingly cowardly. Used to see him now and again around Stoke Newington way back when. RIP.\u201d<\/p>\n Another fan<\/a> commented, \u201cSo sorry to hear of passing. I had hoped we would have seen him in the Blakes 7 revival: I will miss that lovable rogue 💔💔.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nA Book Publisher Announced Michael Keating\u2019s Passing on X<\/h2>\n
\nThe \u2018Doctor Who\u2019 Appreciation Society Announced Keating\u2019s Passing on Instagram<\/h2>\n