Ewen MacIntosh, the actor who portrayed Keith in the UK version of The Office, died at the age of 50.
The late actor played accountant Keith Bishop in the mockumentary sitcom from 2001 to 2003.
Following the news of MacIntosh’s death, The Office co-creator Ricky Gervais paid tribute to him on X, writing: ‘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 company that represented MacIntosh, Just Right Management, announced on X: ‘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. There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year.’
Out Of Office, the podcast for the UK version of The Office, also posted on X in tribute to MacIntosh.
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
‘Very sad news today about the passing of Ewen MacIntosh. Will 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.’
Following The Office, MacIntosh appeared in other TV programmes, including Miranda and Little Britain.
He has appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival as part of a duo act with Tim FitzHigham, and he made his West End debut in Geek! A New Musical.
https://twitter.com/BestOfUKComedy/status/1536698325830967296MacIntosh reconnected with Gervais in After Life, starring in one episode of the Netflix blockbuster series, and has previously appeared in films such as The Lobster and Nightmare on 34th Street.
Tributes have flooded in for the late actor, whose deadpan portrayal as Keith in The Office is still admired today.
Comedy producer Gina Lyons wrote on X: ‘Heartbroken to hear a very special friend @ewenmacintosh has passed away. He was such an incredibly kind and funny person. Eternally loved. .’
Actor Rufus Jones also wrote: ‘Thinking of Ewen Macintosh today, who I’m reading has sadly left us.
‘A familiar and hilarious member of the Edinburgh sketch scene when we all started, and went on to create one of the most iconic scene stealers in tv comedy history. An absolute pleasure of a guy.’
In February 2022, MacIntosh posted a picture of himself on X from a hospital bed, with a tube attached to his shuolder.
‘Bad times for me I’m afraid chums. Stat strong out there ,’ he wrote at the time.
Source My Celebrity Life.