Michael Keating, the actor who made Vila Restal his signature role, died at 79. Born in 1947, Keating began on stage in 1966 and later captured audiences on television and in audio. His work spanned the BBC series Blake’s 7, Doctor Who audio plays, and long‑running soap EastEnders.

Keating’s career launched at Nottingham Playhouse under John Neville before moving to theatres across the UK, including the National Theatre and Old Vic. In 1978 he joined Blake’s 7 as the only cast member to appear in all 52 episodes, bringing depth to a character often seen as comic relief.

After television, Keating returned to the character in Big Finish audio dramas, starting with the 2004 *Doctor Who* story *The Twilight Kingdom*. He reprised Vila in 2012’s *The Turing Test* and continued to voice the role until 2022’s *The Terra Nostra*, solidifying his legacy in audio storytelling.

Keating’s passing marks the end of a prolific era for British science‑fiction actors. His contributions to stage, screen, and audio remain a benchmark for character continuity and audience engagement.