Dominic Keating
Dominic Keating (born Dominic Power; 1 July 1961) is an English actor best known for his portrayal of Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, the tactical officer and armory specialist aboard the starship Enterprise NX-01, in the science fiction television series Star Trek: Enterprise from 2001 to 2005.[1][2] Born in Leicester, England, to an Irish father from Valencia Island—whose own father was a lighthouse keeper on Skellig Rock—and a mother whose family hailed from Cahersiveen, with her father a brigadier awarded an OBE, Keating adopted his stage name to resolve a conflict with the actors' union Equity.[2] His parents met in Leicester after World War II at Holy Cross Church, and Keating developed an early interest in acting through school plays, eventually earning his Equity card by performing in a drag act called "Feeling Mutual."[2][3] Keating began his professional career in theater, performing in acclaimed new plays across London, Manchester, and the Edinburgh Festival, including a co-lead role in Screamers that propelled him into television.[4] His breakthrough came with the role of Tony, a quick-witted regular, in the Channel 4 sitcom Desmond's, where he appeared for six seasons from 1989 to 1994, set in a south London West Indian barbershop.[2][3] Following this, he took on a regular role in the BBC comedy All Quiet on the Preston Front and guest-starred in prominent British series such as Inspector Morse, Cracker, The Bill, and Casualty.[3] After relocating to the United States to pursue further opportunities, Keating appeared in films like Jungle 2 Jungle (1997) and The Hollywood Sign (2001) before securing his defining role on Star Trek: Enterprise, for which he appeared in all 98 episodes.[3][2] Post-Enterprise, Keating maintained a diverse career spanning television, film, and voice work, including guest roles as an Irish mobster in four episodes of Heroes, three episodes of Prison Break, and appearances in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Immortal (as the villain Mallos), and Sons of Anarchy (2010).[2] His film credits include Beowulf (2007) as Cain, The Last Drop (2006) as Cpl. Dennis Knox, The Heavy (2010), and a voice role as Harry in Greyhound (2020).[1][3] He has also lent his voice to video games such as Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (2012) and provided narration for audiobooks, notably becoming one of only four actors to record Homer's Iliad and the sole performer for Jorge Luis Borges's The Labyrinths.[4] More recently, Keating starred in Once Upon a Time in London (2019) as Belgian Johnny, Maternal Instinct (2019) as Sergei, Ballerina Assassin (2025) as Bixby, and The Jolly Monkey (2025) as Steven Blythe.[5] Throughout his over 35-year career, he has balanced stage, screen, conventions, and co-hosting the podcast The D-Con Chamber with Star Trek co-star Connor Trinneer, maintaining close ties with his former castmates.[4][2][6]Biography
Early life
Dominic Keating was born Dominic Power on 1 July 1961 in Leicester, England.[7] His father, Lawrence Power, was Irish, originally from Valentia Island, and his mother was English, with her maiden name Keating; the couple met in Leicester after World War II at [Holy Cross](/page/Holy Cross) church.[8] Keating later adopted his mother's maiden name professionally after discovering another actor named Dominic Power in the actors' union Equity.[8] His maternal grandfather, a brigadier who served in both world wars, was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).[8] Growing up in Leicester as the son of a theatrical landlady, Keating was exposed to the performing arts from a young age through his mother's connections to the local theatre scene and family interactions with performers.[9] This environment, combined with storytelling traditions in his Irish paternal heritage, fostered an early fascination with drama and performance.[8] His interest in acting was further ignited during primary school, where he made his debut on stage in a school production.[10] Keating attended LGS Stoneygate, a preparatory school in Leicester, where he continued to engage with theatre activities.[9] At around age 13, he transitioned to Uppingham School in Rutland for his secondary education.[9]Education
Keating attended Uppingham School, an independent boarding school in Rutland, England, where he first discovered his passion for theatre and continued to pursue drama under the guidance of teacher Chris Richardson.[9] During his time there, he received an early positive review from comedian Rowan Atkinson, which further encouraged his interest in performance alongside academic subjects like history.[9] He subsequently enrolled at University College London (UCL), where he majored in history and graduated with first-class honours.[11] At UCL, Keating actively participated in extracurricular theatre activities, including performances at fringe venues, which allowed him to refine his acting techniques and build practical experience in stagecraft.[9] After completing his degree, Keating worked in various jobs before committing to a professional acting career, securing an Equity card through a drag act called Feeling Mutual following an initial rejection from the Central School of Speech and Drama.[11] His academic background in history provided a foundation that complemented his dramatic pursuits, shaping his approach to character development in subsequent roles.[9]Personal life
Keating married Sarah Falk, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist, in June 2025; the ceremony was attended by several of his former Star Trek: Enterprise castmates, including Scott Bakula and John Billingsley.[12] Since relocating from the United Kingdom in the early 2000s to work on Star Trek: Enterprise, Keating has resided in Los Angeles, California.[13] Keating maintains an interest in history, a field in which he earned a degree from University College London.[3]Career
Theatre
Dominic Keating began his acting career in the London fringe theatre scene during the 1980s, establishing himself through roles in innovative new writing.[14] In 1989, he originated the role of Bryan in Michael Wall's Amongst the Barbarians at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester, a production that later transferred to the Hampstead Theatre in London; the play earned the Mobil Playwriting Competition's first prize, highlighting Keating's contribution to acclaimed contemporary British drama.[15][16] Keating's breakthrough in fringe theatre came in 1991 when he originated the role of Cosmo Disney in Philip Ridley's The Pitchfork Disney at the Bush Theatre in London, a psychologically intense work that showcased his ability to portray complex, character-driven figures in emerging British playwrights' visions; for this performance, he received a best actor award on the fringe.[15][17] Earlier, he appeared in Screamers at the Edinburgh Playhouse Festival and took on a one-man show in The Christian Brothers at King's Cross, further demonstrating his versatility in intimate, narrative-focused stage pieces.[15] Additional UK credits include The Best Years of Your Life at the Man in the Moon Theatre in Chelsea and university productions such as Life Class and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead while at University College London.[15] Transitioning to the United States in the 2000s, Keating continued his stage work with a production of Alfie at the Tiffany Theatre in Los Angeles, adapting his skills to American audiences while maintaining a focus on character-centric narratives.[15][14] Over the course of his career, Keating has amassed more than 20 stage credits, predominantly in contemporary plays that emphasize psychological depth and interpersonal dynamics, solidifying his reputation as a dedicated theatre performer before expanding into television.[14]Television
Keating began his television career in the late 1980s with guest roles on British police procedural The Bill, appearing in three episodes between 1988 and 1989 as various characters. His breakthrough came in 1989 when he was cast as Tony, an ambitious and trendy hairdresser, in the Channel 4 sitcom Desmond's, which ran until 1994; he appeared in 71 episodes, contributing to the show's portrayal of multicultural life in a London barbershop.[18] This role, stemming from his theatre experience, established Keating as a prominent figure in British sitcoms during the period.[8] After relocating to the United States in the late 1990s, Keating achieved international recognition with his portrayal of Lieutenant Malcolm Reed, the tactical officer and armory chief on the starship Enterprise, in the science fiction series Star Trek: Enterprise from 2001 to 2005. He appeared in all 98 episodes, delivering a character defined by British reserve, naval discipline, and evolving personal arcs, including explorations of his family backstory—such as his father's role as a Starfleet admiral and strained sibling relationships—that added depth to Reed's stoic demeanor. The performance solidified Keating's status in genre television, with Reed becoming a fan-favorite for his contributions to the series' themes of exploration and duty. Post-Enterprise, Keating took on notable guest and recurring roles in American network television. In 2007, he played Will, an Irish mobster involved in a kidnapping plot, across four episodes of the superhero drama Heroes during its second season. The following year, he appeared as Andrew Tyge, a cunning inmate in a Panamanian prison, in two episodes of Prison Break's third season.[19] These appearances, alongside other guest spots on series like Sons of Anarchy (2008) and CSI: NY (2008), highlight his versatility in dramatic and action-oriented formats.[1] Overall, Keating's television work encompasses more than 150 episodes across British and American productions.[1]Film
Keating made his feature film debut in the 1997 Disney comedy Jungle 2 Jungle, directed by John Pasquin, where he portrayed the minor character Ian, a family associate in the story of a New York trader reconnecting with his son from the Amazon.[20] This role marked an early entry into Hollywood productions for the British actor, appearing alongside Tim Allen and Martin Short in a lighthearted family adventure that grossed over $30 million domestically. In 2007, Keating provided voice and motion-capture performance as Cain, the antagonist in the animated epic Beowulf, directed by Robert Zemeckis and based on the Old English poem.[21] The film, featuring a star-studded cast including Ray Winstone and Angelina Jolie, utilized advanced motion-capture technology to blend fantasy action with mythological elements, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Visual Effects and grossing $196 million worldwide. Keating's portrayal contributed to the film's depiction of biblical-inspired villainy within its heroic narrative. Keating appeared in the sci-fi horror entry Species: The Awakening (2007), the fourth installment in the Species franchise, playing the role of Forbes McGuire, a scheming scientist involved in cloning experiments gone awry. Directed by Nick Lyon and released directly to video, the film continued the series' theme of alien-human hybrids, with Keating's character facilitating the creation of a deadly seductress portrayed by Helena Mattsson. This role highlighted his affinity for genre projects, building on his science fiction television experience.[22] Earlier in 2002, Keating had a supporting part as Father Bernard, a quirky priest offering comic relief, in the romantic comedy 40 Days and 40 Nights, directed by Michael Lehmann and starring Josh Hartnett. The film, which explored themes of abstinence and temptation, received mixed reviews but achieved commercial success with $95 million in global box office earnings. Later film work includes The Women's Balcony (2017) as Mr. Thompson, Once Upon a Time in London (2019) as Belgian Johnny, and Maternal Instinct (2019) as Sergei.[1] Overall, Keating has accumulated approximately 15 feature film credits across his career, frequently in supporting or ensemble roles within comedies, horrors, and action genres.Voice acting and narration
Keating has lent his voice to several prominent video game characters, showcasing his range in fantasy and action genres. He provided additional voices for Dragon Age: Inquisition (2014).[1] Beyond gaming, Keating has excelled in audiobook narration, particularly for classical and historical works, drawing on his academic background in history from the University of Leicester to bring authenticity to ancient texts. His 2016 narration of Homer's The Iliad (translated by Caroline Alexander) has been praised for its dramatic pacing and emotional resonance, capturing the epic's themes of heroism and tragedy over nearly 20 hours of audio.[23] This project highlights his ability to convey complex historical narratives, with similar efforts in other literary audiobooks that explore timeless stories. He also provided the voice of Harry in the 2020 war film Greyhound.[1] In recent years, Keating has embraced immersive audio drama, voicing key roles in science fiction productions. From 2024 to 2025, he portrayed Fleet Admiral Darius Farren, a cunning and authoritative antagonist, in the second season of the award-winning audiodrama The Sojourn, an original sci-fi series featuring full voice casting and sound design inspired by the age of sail.[24] His performance adds gravitas to the interstellar conflicts, enhancing the series' episodic storytelling. Early in his career, Keating voiced commercials for brands such as Vidal Sassoon in the early 1990s, including spots for products like Spray on Gel, where his clear enunciation and charismatic tone helped promote hair care innovations.[25]Podcasting and conventions
Following the conclusion of Star Trek: Enterprise, Dominic Keating transitioned into podcasting as a means to engage with fans and the broader Star Trek community. In 2021, he co-hosted The Shuttlepod Show alongside fellow Enterprise actor Connor Trinneer, with the program featuring long-form conversations and interviews with Star Trek cast members, crew, and related figures.[26][27] The podcast ran for two seasons, concluding its final episode on December 17, 2023, after which Keating announced his departure from the series.[28][29] In April 2024, Keating and Trinneer announced a new collaborative venture, The D-Con Chamber, which premiered on May 19, 2024, as a video podcast exploring the impact of the Star Trek universe on individuals' lives through interviews with cast, crew, and fans.[30][31] The show has featured high-profile guests such as William Shatner, Scott Bakula, and Sonequa Martin-Green, blending discussions on acting insights, pop culture, and personal stories influenced by the franchise.[6] Keating has maintained an active presence at fan conventions, particularly Star Trek-themed events organized by Creation Entertainment, where he participates in panels, autograph sessions, and photo opportunities to discuss his career and the legacy of Enterprise.[32] From 2023 to 2025, he appeared at multiple Creation Entertainment gatherings, including the Star Trek: The Cruise voyages, which offer immersive fan experiences at sea with live discussions and Q&A sessions.[33][34] Notable appearances include Trek to Vegas in August 2025 and Trek to Orlando in August 2025, where he engaged with attendees on topics ranging from on-set anecdotes to the enduring appeal of Star Trek.[35] In October 2025, Keating attended the Saturn Awards, joining other Star Trek alumni to reflect on the franchise's influence during acceptance speeches and informal talks, including praise for co-star Scott Bakula.[36]Filmography
Television roles
| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–1992 | The Bill | Friend 2 / Patrick Litton / Andrew Jensen | 3 |
| 1989–1993 | Desmond's | Tony | 36 |
| 1990 | Casualty | Ian Tilsley | 1 ("Remembrance") |
| 1992 | Inspector Morse | Murray Stone | 1 ("Dead on Time") |
| 1998 | Buffy the Vampire Slayer | Blair | 1 ("Helpless") |
| 2001–2005 | Star Trek: Enterprise | Lt. Malcolm Reed / Maj. Malcolm Reed | 98 |
| 2002 | ChromiumBlue.com | Owen | 8 |
| 2006 | Las Vegas | Anthony Demby | 1 |
| 2007 | Heroes | Will | 4 |
| 2007 | Prison Break | Andrew Tyge | 3 |
| 2008 | Holby City | Ollie Lake | 1 |
| 2010 | CSI: NY | Rufus Knox | 1 ("Uncertainty Rules") |
| 2010 | Sons of Anarchy | Luther Barkwill | 3 |
Film roles
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Jungle 2 Jungle | Ian[44] |
| 2001 | The Hollywood Sign | Steve[44] |
| 2006 | Hollywood Kills | Francis Fenway[44] |
| 2007 | Species: The Awakening | Forbes Maguire[44] |
| 2009 | The Ninong | Ninong[44] |
| 2010 | Sherlock Holmes | Thorpe Holmes[44] |
| 2011 | The Dragon Warrior | Merlin / Dragon's Voice / Narrator[44] |
| 2016 | A Killer Walks Amongst Us | Dobsyn[44] |
| 2019 | Cradles for Cash | Sergei[44] |
| 2019 | Once Upon a Time in London | Belgian Johnny[44] |
| 2020 | The Host | Benjamin[44] |
| 2025 | Ballerina Assassin | Bixby[44] |
| 2025 | The Jolly Monkey | Steve Blythe[44] |
Voice roles
Keating has lent his voice to several notable projects in video games, audiobooks, audiodramas, and commercials. He has also provided voice work for films.- Beowulf (2007) as Cain[45]
- Greyhound (2020) as Harry[46]
Video games
- Diablo III (2012) as Kormac the Templar[47]
- Dragon Age: Origins (2009) as Mouse (uncredited)[48]
- Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two (2012) as Gremlin Prescott[49]
Audiobooks
- The Iliad: A New Translation by Caroline Alexander (2016) as narrator[23]
- Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings by Jorge Luis Borges (2019) as narrator[50]
Audiodramas
- The Sojourn (2024–present) as Fleet Admiral Darius Farren[24]
Commercials
- Vidal Sassoon shampoo and conditioner (early 1990s) as hair stylist[51]