Aimee Walker
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, who is best known for playing Keith in The Office, has died aged 50.
The mockumentary series, which was created, written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, has become one of the most successful British comedies.
It’s even led to an Emmy-winning American remake starring Steve Carrell.
In the UK version of the classic TV sitcom, MacIntosh played the oddball character Keith Bishop – he was the centre of many of its iconic moments.
Sadly, it has now been confirmed that the star has passed away.
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JustRight Management confirmed MacIntosh’s death in a statement shared on social media, which reads: “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.”
Ricky Gervais has since taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, and paid tribute to the actor and comedian, penning: “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.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Hhd3zkRVMs
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 21, 2024
The Office podcast, Out of Office, also shared a heartfelt message, which says that 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’.
While comedy TV channel Gold adds: “We at Gold are saddened to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50.
“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.”
MacIntosh’s friend Ed Scott, an executive producer, has also shared a tribute on social media.
He says the actor was ‘known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember’.
He continues: “Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man… He was a firm friend first and foremost but I also was fortunate to have worked on several occasions with him nailing every take with great humour despite the scripts I made him recite!”
Among MacIntosh’s most memorable scenes in The Office were him dressing up as Ali G for Red Nose Day and eating a scotch egg.
In an interview with Vice in 2021, the actor said 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 said.
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Alongside The Office, MacIntosh starred in Gervais’ Netflix series After Life, as well as Little Britain and Miranda.
He also starred in films such as The Lobster, starring Colin Farrell and Olivia Colman.
At the time of writing, MacIntosh’s cause of death has yet to be confirmed.
However, in Scott’s tribute, he thanks those who have cared for the actor, saying: “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.”
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