Paul Darrow, star of Blake’s 7, has passed away

Paul Darrow, who is best known for his major role of Kerr Avon in British science-fiction series Blake’s 7, has passed away. He was 78.

I wasn’t someone who grew up with the late Seventies/early Eighties British television series Blake’s 7. To be honest, I still need to finish the final series. But it was definitely a brilliant show, one that was ahead of its time in some crucial ways.

Oh, don’t get me wrong, due to having an extremely low budget and the occasionally awkward script, it’s rather dated, too. But it also featured a somewhat darker tone than other science-fiction series of the era, as well as featuring some of the best anti-heroes in TV history.

But what really kept fans watching the series? Paul Darrow and his brilliant performance as Avon.

The best way that I can describe Kerr Avon is that he was essentially the anti-Spock. Like everyone’s favorite Vulcan, Avon was highly intelligent and even extremely logical, in some ways. But whereas Spock would be incredibly loyal to Kirk, Avon was essentially a man out for himself. He also had some of the best taunts and put-downs ever. (Especially when it came to Michael Keating’s character of Vila.) Unsurprisingly, he became very popular with the audience.

Decades after he played the role on television, Paul Darrow continued to be Avon in many Blake’s 7 adventures on audio.

(Image credit: Blake’s 7/Big Finish Productions.

Image obtained from: Big Finish Productions.)

Forever Avon

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How popular was Avon? Well, you’ve probably noticed that the series is called Blake’s 7. But ironically, Blake himself only appeared in half the series. When lead actor Gareth Thomas left the series after series B, Avon essentially became the new lead character. Even when new guy Tarrant came along and tried hard to be the leader of the team, it was arguably Avon that kept everyone watching.

Unsurprisingly, like several key Blake’s 7 actors, Paul Darrow had also appeared in Doctor Who a couple of times, namely in Doctor Who and the Silurians as Captain Hawkins and in Timelash as Tekker. He also had a key guest role in Eighth Doctor audio The Next Life as Guidance.

But it’s his brilliant performance as Avon that he’ll always be remembered for the most. The character was a true icon of British television, and there will be many fans who will be mourning such a huge loss.

Rest in peace, Paul Darrow. You were, are and will be forever Avon.

Were you a fan of Paul Darrow? Did you watch Blake’s 7? Do you have any memories of meeting him? Let us know in the comments below.