RIP Michael Keating 1947-2026

[julesjones]

 Sad news today with the death of Michael Keating, known and loved by Blake's 7 fans as Vila. As kalypso notes, we have been watching the Blu-ray box sets saying "I hope they get a new interview with Michael Keating". With any luck they did.

We'd got to the end of series B last week and were contemplating rewatching Gambit to do a bit of research for a possible story. It will be no hardship to watch it again just to say farewell to the actor - it was a superb and very funny performance.

Comments

[sallymn]

I woke up to the news, am looking at my videos and my B7 folder and my 30 Days list and feeling bereft... his portrayal of our favourite thief was so special and a part of my life.

[julesjones]

"30 days" has sparked off an outbreak of plot bunnies, and I was mentally plotting out something this afternoon to try to start writing this weekend. And now I just want to spend it curled up with the Blu-rays and some zines.

Blake's 7 fandom has been a large part of my life for many years, even when the conversation drifted away from the show. And now we are losing the people who made it what it is. Bereft is the word for it.

[sallymn]

It is lovely, however, to see the flood of tributes on social media. People really really loved both Vila and Michael.