Ewen MacIntosh: The Office actor dies aged 50
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, who starred as Keith Bishop in The Office, has died aged 50.
MacIntosh was best known for his role as 'Big Keith' in Ricky Gervais' sitcom which became an instant comedy classic when it launched in 2001 - and led to the creation of a smash-hit American version.
The actor, who also appeared in British comedies such as After Life, Miranda and Little Britain, had posted an photo of himself in hospital in February 2022 - in which he said he was suffering 'bad times'.
His cause of death has not been confirmed but friends hailed the 'empathy and incredible care' of medical staff and nurses.
Gervais led the tributes this morning, writing on X/Twitter: 'Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.'
The actor's management company JustRight Management confirmed the star's tragic death in a statement which said: 'With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.
'His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.'
The comedian's friend Ed Scott, an executive producer, also paid tribute, writing: 'I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.
'He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember.'
Mr Scott, the CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music, added: 'Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man.
'Sending love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr, his brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.'
He also paid tribute to those who had cared for his friend, penning: 'Thanks to the incredible care and love provided by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him when he brought a smile to their days.
'I saw first hand the empathy and incredible care they gave him was just so reassuring during the toughest of times and am forever grateful to them all.'
MacIntosh appeared in The Office from its first series in 2001, playing the role of an accountant with a passion for Scotch eggs.
In one iconic scene from the show between Big Keith and Tim Canterbury (played by Martin Freeman), MacIntosh hilariously takes a large, slow bite out of a Scotch egg while Freeman discusses performing a sexual act on himself.
In an interview with Vice in 2021, MacIntosh joked that he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his signature food. 'The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute,' he revealed.
'Big Keith' had a monotone answerphone message and wanted to become DJ over being an accountant. Among his most memorable moments was when he dressed up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.
Despite a number of staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper firm, 'Keith' remained in the series until its last episode in 2003.
Out Of Office, The Office podcast, also said MacIntosh would 'always be fondly remembered firstly as a great guy, but also as a key part of the greatest British sitcom of all time. An excellent legacy to leave. RIP.'
As well as The Office, MacIntosh also partnered back up with Gervais when he starred in the final series of After Life as 'Buffet Man' - a bloke who had been barred from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
TV channel Gold said: 'We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time.'
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