Picket Fences actor and Star Trek guest star Michael Keenan has died, age 80

Michael Keenan as Maturin in Star Trek: The Next Generation “Sub Rosa” with Sir Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard

Star Trek guest star Michael Keenan has passed away at age 80. According to Deadline, his death, on Thursday, April 30th, was announced by his family. He passed away from non-COVID-19-related natural causes.

Keenan held guest roles in three different Star Trek series. He played Maturin, the leader of Caldos colony in the controversial Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Sub Rosa”. He also played a holodeck version of legendary Danish king Hrothgar in the Star Trek: Voyager episode “Heroes and Demons”, and the childlike man Patrick in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episodes “Statistical Probabilities” and “Chrysalis”.

Outside of Star Trek, Keenan was best known for playing Mayor Bill Pugen in the TV series Picket Fences. However, in his lengthy television career he also held roles in Starsky and Hutch, Quincy M.E., Hill Street Blues, Dallas, and my personal favorite, Nash Bridges...among many, many others. Keenan was also a faculty member at the University of Southern California’s School of Dramatic Arts in Los Angeles, where he taught and directed for more than 25 years.

David Bridel, dean of the USC School of Dramatic Arts, said of Keenan, “With his inimitable combination of technical brilliance, artistic perception, and dry wit, Michael Keenan inspired legions of students as a studio teacher and, perhaps most poignantly, as a stage director. [...] His kindness, wisdom, humility and loyalty will long be remembered among his colleagues and collaborators. He was, quite simply, a wonderful man.”

Keenan is survived by sisters-in-law Diana, Sally and Jan, and eight nieces and nephews. Please join me in sending condolences to Keenan’s family.