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 RIP Michael Keating
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| trevor travis |
Posted on 21-05-2026 10:26
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 Alpha Grade  Posts: 8959 Joined: 16.01.22 |
Such a lovely guy, and forever Vila!
Vote Og.
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| trevor travis |
Posted on 21-05-2026 10:28
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Alpha Grade Posts: 8959 Joined: 16.01.22 |
PS If anyone is up for it, we'll do a City rewatch on Bank Holiday Monday at 7.45pm UK time. Seems a fitting tribute to Michael.
Vote Og.
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| dodgyville |
Posted on 21-05-2026 11:38
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 Beta Grade  Posts: 634 Joined: 22.04.24 |
He brought a lot of joy into the world through his performances, especially as Vila. Vale. |
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| OneSparePart |
Posted on 21-05-2026 12:10
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 Alpha Grade Posts: 12067 Joined: 16.01.22 |
Signed in and saw this. That's just so sad. That's what the word is...sad.
Silflay hraka, u embleer rah!
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| OracVZen |
Posted on 21-05-2026 12:19
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 Alpha Grade Posts: 10558 Joined: 18.01.22 |
So sad I really wanted to meet him as I was growing up and had tough times I related with Michael so much he was a hero playing Villa.
I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power Seek-locate-destroy. [img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img] |
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| Joe Dredd |
Posted on 21-05-2026 12:33
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 Moderator  Posts: 2707 Joined: 15.01.22 |
Terribly sad, though not unexpected. Such a shame he couldn't participate in the Blu-rays - that would have been so wonderful. A warm, friendly, funny man. RIP Michael Keating. Vale Vila! Not forever, but you tried. |
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| Deva |
Posted on 21-05-2026 13:03
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 Gamma Grade  Posts: 107 Joined: 17.01.22 |
For some reason I've been expecting this news for a while and it's terribly sad. I met Michael only once about 15 or 16 years ago, just briefly, and yet in that short time he managed to be thoughtful, kind and gracious. You died trying Vila, but you'll live on with us forever. All the best and thanks. Standard by 12.
"Time really is getting short, you know..."
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| Lorna |
Posted on 21-05-2026 13:09
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 Alpha Grade Posts: 2942 Joined: 16.01.22 |
He was a lovely guy. I am really sad.
I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
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| SupremeCommanderDiane |
Posted on 21-05-2026 13:17
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 Admin  Posts: 132 Joined: 20.01.24 |
Michael was the loveliest, kindest man and the most naturally funny person I ever met. He was perfect for the role of our much loved space-thief, and was such a great actor that he was also perfect for every role I ever saw him play - however different from Vila that might have been. I've put something up on our front page news, with a more formal obituary/tribute to follow. If anyone would like their own memory/tribute to Michael to be included in this article, please let me know. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and Blake's 7 fans everywhere. Our hearts go out to his wife Sue, daughter Lisa and all his family. Edited by SupremeCommanderDiane on 24-05-2026 04:10 |
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| Brad |
Posted on 21-05-2026 15:52
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 Moderator Posts: 6352 Joined: 15.01.22 |
One of the nicest most down to Earth actors we ever met.
. .  Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo! |
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| Brad |
Posted on 21-05-2026 15:55
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Moderator Posts: 6352 Joined: 15.01.22 |
PS If anyone is up for it, we'll do a City rewatch on Bank Holiday Monday at 7.45pm UK time. Seems a fitting tribute to Michael. Count the Del Grant Fan Club in. One of the things I was looking forward to in retirement was being able to do all the rewatches, which hit in the early afternoon local time). Edited by Brad on 21-05-2026 16:04 . . Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo! |
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| Paula |
Posted on 21-05-2026 16:13
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 Moderator Posts: 5324 Joined: 15.01.22 |
I'm gutted. I have tried to steel myself for another big passing of someone in our B7 family for a while now, and in the future, but it came as a shock nonetheless today, and I'm deeply saddened and have to admit it, crying now. I was so grateful to have met Michael a number of times, the second time the most memorable as Lorna and I got to have a lengthy chat with him at Return to Gauda Prime con hosted by our own Clareblues in 2011. He was a good and decent man, a wonderful actor and one of the best convention guests you'd ever want. At our last meeting, he spoke to me of himself turning 75 and I was still so grateful he continued to come to all the B7 con events. People, one of the greats has passed and the world already feels smaller by it. Brad and I adored Michael and his kindnesses to us throughout the years and believe me, he is already sorely missed. RIP Mr. Michael Keating! We'll toast you with an adrenaline and soma tonight!
Resist the Host
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| intergalactic |
Posted on 21-05-2026 17:14
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 Beta Grade Posts: 592 Joined: 09.02.26 |
You brought joy to many people. Your passing - sorrow to many hearts. Rest in peace. May God bless your soul and give strength to your family, loved ones, friends and fans. I hope to see you again in Paradise. P.S. I have to admit, I teared up too. |
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| Lurena |
Posted on 21-05-2026 18:52
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 Alpha Grade Posts: 3141 Joined: 16.01.22 |
I am so sad and heartbroken. Michael was such a lovely man. He was so kind and always in for a nice and personal chat. RIP and bless you Michael, you will be missed, but also fondly remembered. Warm thoughts to your family. *No, I am not. I am not expendable, I'm not stupid, and I'm not going.*
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| Vila Appreciator |
Posted on 21-05-2026 19:14
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Ungraded  Posts: 1 Joined: 08.12.25 |
Hearing this was such a gut punch. As you can tell from my username, he played my favourite character. He made Vila so lovable: funny, brave, sweet, when I'm upset thinking of Vila makes me happy. I hope Michael Keating knew how appreciated his work is in this fandom. |
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| Frankymole3 |
Posted on 21-05-2026 19:20
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 Ungraded Posts: 3 Joined: 14.10.22 |
This is extremely sad news. I heard about this today then saw a link to the Big Finish page about Michael and so came here. I know his friends and fans here (and everywhere) will miss him very much. He was a wonderful man. He will never be forgotten. Condolences to his friends, family and loved ones. When I was nine or ten, my friends were exploring a ruined house that was in danger of collapse and I was dragged along. I explained how dangerous it was and one said, "you're just like that Vila off Blakes 7". I took it as an enormous compliment. Rest in Peace. |
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| Frankymole3 |
Posted on 21-05-2026 19:22
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Ungraded Posts: 3 Joined: 14.10.22 |
Hearing this was such a gut punch. As you can tell from my username, he played my favourite character. He made Vila so lovable: funny, brave, sweet, when I'm upset thinking of Vila makes me happy. I hope Michael Keating knew how appreciated his work is in this fandom. |
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| Lurena |
Posted on 21-05-2026 19:38
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Alpha Grade Posts: 3141 Joined: 16.01.22 |
PS If anyone is up for it, we'll do a City rewatch on Bank Holiday Monday at 7.45pm UK time. Seems a fitting tribute to Michael. Hi TT, I will try my best and join you. It's a lovely tradition. *No, I am not. I am not expendable, I'm not stupid, and I'm not going.*
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| Paula |
Posted on 21-05-2026 21:02
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Moderator Posts: 5324 Joined: 15.01.22 |
 I thought I'd post this photo from Return to Gauda Prime from 2011, in Oxford. It was our first convention in the UK, first trip to the UK- and we got to meet many of our dearest friends, along with Gareth Thomas, Michael Keating and surprise guest, Stephen Greif. Here are dear friend Lorna Price and me with a few of our heroes- Gareth Thomas and Michael Keating. It worked out well, I adored Gareth, and Lorna adored Michael, shown here by the way we lined up together! I have a broken heart today, but this photo made me smile a bit and think about how lucky many of us have been being able to meet these wonderful actors from our favorite tv series. RIP Michael. My God bless you. Resist the Host
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| Paula |
Posted on 21-05-2026 21:03
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Moderator Posts: 5324 Joined: 15.01.22 |
PS If anyone is up for it, we'll do a City rewatch on Bank Holiday Monday at 7.45pm UK time. Seems a fitting tribute to Michael. That's a lovely idea, Rob. Thanks. Resist the Host
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| VilaVindicator |
Posted on 21-05-2026 21:10
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 Delta Grade  Posts: 17 Joined: 11.08.22 |
Radio Times link: Michael Keating, EastEnders and Blake's 7 star, dies aged 79 [Edited by moderator to make the link clickable.] |
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| Ulera |
Posted on 22-05-2026 05:43
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 Delta Grade Posts: 14 Joined: 23.01.22 |
Terrible news. I always hoped that he would live forever. |
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| Joe Dredd |
Posted on 22-05-2026 15:29
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Moderator Posts: 2707 Joined: 15.01.22 |
Mike says - See you later, Liberator. Got to go, Scorpio |
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| Brad |
Posted on 22-05-2026 16:05
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Moderator Posts: 6352 Joined: 15.01.22 |
The heart and soul of B7m and the only actor to appear in all 52 episodes.
. . Cockatoo? What Cockatoo? I don't see a Cockatoo! |
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| Joe Dredd |
Posted on 22-05-2026 16:48
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Moderator Posts: 2707 Joined: 15.01.22 |
The Independent The Sun |
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| Paula |
Posted on 22-05-2026 20:11
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Moderator Posts: 5324 Joined: 15.01.22 |
I took a look into my saved videos and found this one, of the Return to Gauda Prime convention put together by Kevin Jon Davies for a video of the convention which was never made. But it does give a hint as to what the convention was like, along with a few bits of Gareth and Michael. This occurred in October of 2011 in Oxford, UK. If you look closely you will spot many Horizon members, our Supreme Commander, Saba, Clareblues, Trevor Travis, and Brad and me - among others. I hope you enjoy seeing this, and particularly the interview bit from Michael hoping he'd be here for Blake's 7's 50th anniversary- (very sad)- and the double act the boys did of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Bless Gareth and Michael and Stephen! https://youtu.be/ggyPf1-cGVw Resist the Host
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| OneSparePart |
Posted on 22-05-2026 20:39
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Alpha Grade Posts: 12067 Joined: 16.01.22 |
Lovely vid, Paula. A reminder of how great they were, as actors and human beings. X
Silflay hraka, u embleer rah!
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| Lorna |
Posted on 23-05-2026 11:15
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Alpha Grade Posts: 2942 Joined: 16.01.22 |
I took a look into my saved videos and found this one, of the Return to Gauda Prime convention put together by Kevin Jon Davies for a video of the convention which was never made. But it does give a hint as to what the convention was like, along with a few bits of Gareth and Michael. This occurred in October of 2011 in Oxford, UK. If you look closely you will spot many Horizon members, our Supreme Commander, Saba, Clareblues, Trevor Travis, and Brad and me - among others. I hope you enjoy seeing this, and particularly the interview bit from Michael hoping he'd be here for Blake's 7's 50th anniversary- (very sad)- and the double act the boys did of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Bless Gareth and Michael and Stephen! https://youtu.be/ggyPf1-cGVw Thanks Paula. Happy memories! I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
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| geogreencoat |
Posted on 27-05-2026 13:29
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 Delta Grade Posts: 15 Joined: 03.12.24 |
I have wonderful memories of Michael Keating and his wonderful portrayal of Vila Restal. I remember I wrote to his agent requesting his autograph. Several weeks in my hand written Stamped Addressed Envelope (SAW) i received a lovely coloured series D signed Vila photocard (still treasured in my B7 merchandise collection). Later in 1984, I met him once at Galacticon 84 (where ths novel Afterlife was lauched) at the Barbicon; i was as a young 13 year old with my dad just arriving at reception. I accidentally bumped into him while getting my boarding pass. I was starstruck but managed to thank him being the best Delta Grade freedom fighter and out surviving them all bar GP. Yet, I said I hoped Vila slipped on that faral day. Micheal was so polite and chatted for a noment or two. Thank you for bringing so much joy to me then and now such as in CATEOTW or despair in Orbit. Micheal Keating RIP a hero; one of kind. VILA: I plan to live for ever or, die trying!  (Time Squad) |
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| TheDoctorAlt8 |
Posted on 02-06-2026 13:28
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 Ungraded Posts: 5 Joined: 28.05.26 |
I am no good with words, I am deeply saddened by this news. I did raise a glass in memory of our beloved rogue.
Edited by SupremeCommanderDiane on 02-06-2026 17:12 |
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| SupremeCommanderDiane |
Posted on 02-06-2026 17:14
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Admin Posts: 132 Joined: 20.01.24 |
I am no good with words, I am deeply saddened by this news. I did raise a glass in memory of our beloved rogue. A glass of adrenaline & soma of course? Michael was very special and in turn made Vila a very lovable character too - he will be greatly missed. |
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| OracVZen |
Posted on 02-06-2026 22:03
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Alpha Grade Posts: 10558 Joined: 18.01.22 |
I’m so saddened, I wish I met and told him a few things. So I’m going to say it here; Well Michael you played Vila expertly, you inspired me to have an interest in locks, as a younger teenager I felt I was a coward and underestimated, misunderstood, unassuming,unappreciated. I really connected with Blakes7 and especially with your character. And in the final scene you had courage which I realised you can be a force-when needed to be. I even dedicated my tattoos to Blakes7 and your awsome quote “I plan to live forever, or die trying”. Is on my arm too. I hope you realise how important you where to your fans especially me. Cheers Vila, I hope your having your favourite tipple, adrenaline & soma. You be sorely missed. OVZ I plan to live forever,or die trying.
Maximum Power Seek-locate-destroy. [img]https://postimg.cc/gallery/yVLnSLW/[img] |
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| TheDoctorAlt8 |
Posted on 08-06-2026 23:31
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Ungraded Posts: 5 Joined: 28.05.26 |
SupremeCommanderDiane wrote: ↑ I am no good with words, I am deeply saddened by this news. I did raise a glass in memory of our beloved rogue. A glass of adrenaline & soma of course? Michael was very special and in turn made Vila a very lovable character too - he will be greatly missed. If only... Had to settle for something more... pedestrian. I do feel I should DO something in memorium? A fund raising effort of some kind? Although I don't know the details I heard that Michael retired from conventions because of cognitive decline? I would like to do some thing to raise money for the relevant charity. Who is with me? |
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| Lorna |
Posted on 09-06-2026 07:32
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Alpha Grade Posts: 2942 Joined: 16.01.22 |
SupremeCommanderDiane wrote: ↑ I am no good with words, I am deeply saddened by this news. I did raise a glass in memory of our beloved rogue. A glass of adrenaline & soma of course? Michael was very special and in turn made Vila a very lovable character too - he will be greatly missed. If only... Had to settle for something more... pedestrian. I do feel I should DO something in memorium? A fund raising effort of some kind? Although I don't know the details I heard that Michael retired from conventions because of cognitive decline? I would like to do some thing to raise money for the relevant charity. Who is with me? What do you suggest? I was very fond of Michael as well as Vila being my favourite. So I would love to contribute. I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
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| TheDoctorAlt8 |
Posted on 09-06-2026 16:27
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Ungraded Posts: 5 Joined: 28.05.26 |
I am open to suggestions. (Decent ones!) But I am thinking of things. |
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| SupremeCommanderDiane |
Posted on 10-06-2026 16:08
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Admin Posts: 132 Joined: 20.01.24 |
I am open to suggestions. (Decent ones!) But I am thinking of things. What about maybe organising a Go Fund Me or one of the other charity sites and directing people to it so that any money raised has somewhere to be collected safely? Then once that's set up you can think about *ways* of raising money but there needs to be somewhere for it to go. |
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| SupremeCommanderDiane |
Posted on 12-06-2026 03:22
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Admin Posts: 132 Joined: 20.01.24 |
An excellent obituary here in the Guardian by Toby Hadoke. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-ra...g-obituary |
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| Joe Dredd |
Posted on 13-06-2026 00:02
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Moderator Posts: 2707 Joined: 15.01.22 |
CultEdge to produce tribute issue of the B7 magazine. |
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| Lorna |
Posted on 13-06-2026 06:22
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Alpha Grade Posts: 2942 Joined: 16.01.22 |
CultEdge to produce tribute issue of the B7 magazine. I will be getting that one!! I look behind me, what do I see? A pair of golden wings seem to be attached to me.
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| Sweevo |
Posted on 24-06-2026 01:26
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Delta Grade Posts: 24 Joined: 17.12.25 |
I just found out. I remember meeting Michael for the first time in 2011 during the very first "Return to Gauda Prime" convention, a week after I had graduated from college. I was young, hopeful and full of dreams and ideas. He remembered me on subsequent meetings - and got my name right without requiring correction, which, for a non-Italian speaker (my first language), is a feat to be proud of. RIP, Michael, and thanks for the memories. |
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