Steven Keats was an American actor who is best known for his roles in “The Friends of Eddie Coyle,” “Death Wish,” and “Hester Street.” He had a dynamic career in film, television, and theater, earning recognition for his diverse performances.
Personal and Family Life
Born as Stephen Paul Keitz on February 6, 1945, in The Bronx, New York, he was raised in a Polish Jewish family. He was married twice and had two sons: Thatcher and Shane. Steven attended the High School for Performing Arts in Manhattan and later served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War.
Career Highlights
Keats made his stage debut on Broadway in 1970 and gained popularity with his film roles in the 1970s and 1980s. His portrayal of Jackie Brown in “The Friends of Eddie Coyle” is especially noted, and he also starred alongside notable actors like Charles Bronson in “Death Wish.” His performance in the mini-series “Seventh Avenue” earned him an Emmy nomination.
Death and Legacy
Steven Keats was found dead on May 8, 1994, in New York City, and his death was ruled an apparent suicide at the age of 49. He left a lasting impact on the film and television industry with his memorable performances and remains a respected figure in acting circles.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Mysterious Island of Beautiful Women | 1979-12-01 | Mike Stapleton |
| The American Success Company | 1980-03-01 | Rick Duprez |
| The Gumball Rally | 1976-07-28 | Kandinsky – Dodge Team |
| The Friends of Eddie Coyle | 1973-06-26 | Jackie Brown |
| Silent Rage | 1982-04-02 | Dr. Philip Spires |
| Turk 182! | 1985-02-15 | Jockamo |
| Death Wish | 1974-07-24 | Jack Toby |
| Hester Street | 1975-10-19 | Jake |
| The Gambler | 1974-10-02 | Howie |
| Black Sunday | 1977-04-01 | Moshevsky |
| Zuma Beach | 1978-09-27 | Jerry McCabe |
| The Last Dinosaur | 1977-07-07 | Chuck Wade |
| Seventh Avenue | 1977-02-10 | Jay Blackman |
| Law & Order | 1990-09-13 | Defense Attorney George Zuckert |
| The Rockford Files | 1974-09-13 | Duane Bailey |
| Murder, She Wrote | 1984-09-30 | Stefan Conrad |
| MacGyver | 1985-09-29 | Jake Baron |