Ewen MacIntosh, who played the character of Keith Bishop on the original UK version of “The Office”, has died at age 50.
Ricky Gervais, who starred as the lead character David Brent, announced MacIntosh’s death and called him an “absolute original”.
“Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away,” Gervais wrote on X. “An absolute original. RIP.”
MacIntosh’s talent agency confirmed he had struggled with ill health for two years before passing away from an undisclosed illness this week.
“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,” Just Right Management wrote.
MacIntosh earned his big break playing the dryly humorous accountant “Big Keith” over two seasons of “The Office”, going on to have a career in both TV and theater thanks to the success of that role.
“It is with a heavy heart I can confirm the very sad news of our client Ewen’s passing,” talent management company owner Chelle Just said. “Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and possessed such a kind heart. He touched the lives of all who came into contact with him.”
“Ewen will be so very dearly missed,” she added.
Co-writer Stephen Merchant remembered MacIntosh’s unique comedic talents, saying he stole every scene he was in.
“I’m so very sad to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh, a lovely and uniquely funny man who played accountant Keith in The Office. I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him,” Stephen Merchant wrote. “He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.”
Tributes poured in for the comedy star, whose character inspired the development of Kevin Malone on the American version of the show.
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
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