Michael Keating has sadly passed away at the age of 79. He's best known for his roles in Doctor Who and EastEnders. According to Keating's agent, Dan Ireson, the long-time actor passed away "peacefully at home" on Sunday, April 26. He had been battling dementia before he passed.
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Keating held 33 acting roles throughout his career, per IMDB. He first hit our screens in 1969, when he appeared in one episode of Special Branch. Keating played the role of Det. Constable Pearce. The following year, he played Plebian in Julius Cesar.
In the following years, Keating continued making small appearances on established shows, growing his portfolio of work in the process. That ultimately led to a four-episode star on hit show Dr. Who. Keating played the role of Goudry, working through "The Sun Makers" storyline. His time on the show came during the 15th season of the series.
"Keating also lent his voice for multiple Doctor Who audio projects that were produced by Big Finish," Page Six reports.
However, it was on Blake's 7 that Keating found his first full-time role. He appeared in 52 episodes of the show between 1978 and 1981. He then lent his voice to two different Blake's 7 podcast series between 2013 and 2022.
World Reacts to Michael Keating's Death
Following the news of Keating's death, the official EastEnders account on X released a statement.
"Everyone at EastEnders is deeply saddened by the passing of Michael Keating, known to viewers as Reverend George Stevens," the post read. "He will be fondly remembered by all who worked with him on EastEnders, and our love and thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
Fans also took to social media to share their shock and sadness at the loss.
"So sorry to hear that Michael Keating has died. A fine actor with a wonderful career, including a recurring role in #EastEnders, but to me he will always be the wonderful Vila in #Blakes7. RIP," Paul Carmichael of the Ace Odyssey podcast
