ACTOR Ewen MacIntosh, who played Keith Bishop in The Office, has died tragically at the age of 50.
The comedian played a quirky character in the UK version of the classic sitcom starring Ricky Gervais.
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Ewen MacIntosh has sadly passed away Credit: Getty Images – Getty
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The actor played Big Keith in The OfficeCredit: BBC
Ewen’s portrayal of the reckless accountant was praised for a number of comedic moments – including dressing up as Ali G.
He also described his weakness in a staff assessment as “eczema” and was known for his legendary love of Scotch eggs.
Tributes poured in for the star led by his co-star Ricky Gervais.
He wrote: “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.”
Ewen’s management team wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.
It comes as…
“His family would like to thank everyone who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.
“There will soon be a private cremation for family and close friends and a celebratory memorial service later in the year.”
Chelle Just of Just Right Management said Ewen MacIntosh had “suffered from ill health for the past two years”.
In a statement, she said: “Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and had such a good heart. He touched the lives of everyone who came in contact with him.
“Ewen had suffered from ill health for the past two years and passed away peacefully on February 19 from unknown causes.
“His family are overwhelmed and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen, but would appreciate privacy for them to grieve at this very difficult time.
“We will miss Ewen very much. May you be Ewen.”
While his friend Ed Scott wrote: “I am absolutely devastated at the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.
“He may have had a familiar face that millions knew as Keith from The Office, but the person inside is what I will remember most.”
The Office co-star Ewen Macintosh reunites with Ricky Gervais in Netflix’s After Life
Ewen appeared on The Office from its first series in 2001 until it ended two years later.
It is known that he left his colleague Martin Freeman in hysterics when they were filming the scene with Scotch eggs.
The scene, in which Ewen took a big bite of a pub snack while making inappropriate comments, was reshot multiple times because Freeman couldn’t keep a healthy expression on his face.
Speaking about the iconic moment, the actor revealed that the inclusion of the scotch egg was a last-minute change.
He said: “The prop guy went to Sainsbury’s to get some and it’s a good thing he bought a lot because I looked them over.
“We reused them all the way, turning them over to hide the bites because we did it so many times.”
HEALTH PROBLEMS
But while Freeman and Gervais became Hollywood royalty, Ewen struggled to follow suit and went bankrupt in 2016.
He also opened up about his health battles – revealing he was admitted to hospital in 2022.
Ewen wrote at the time: “I’m afraid bad times are ahead for me friends. Stay strong out there.”
The actor reunited with Gervais in the latest series of After Life, where he played “Buffet Man” – a man banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
He also had roles in Miranda and Little Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.
In 2020, Ewen appeared on Celebrity Come Dine With Me alongside Charlotte Crosby and Dawn Ward.
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Ricky Gervais led the tribute to the star
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Ewen reunited with Gervais in an episode of After Life
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He played Keith from the first series of the series in 2001. Credit: BBC
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Ewen reprized his role as the Scotch egg-chewing accountant in David Brent: Life on the RoadCredit: Getty – Contributor
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Ewen appeared on Celebrity Come Dine With Me 2020. Credit: Planet Photos
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Ewen previously revealed that he was in hospital in 2022. Credit: Twitter
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