THE OFFICE star Ewen MacIntosh’s two years of health problems landed him in hospital and ‘retired in a nursing home’ before his tragic death at the age of 50.
The death of the actor – best known for playing ‘Big Keith’ Bishop in Ricky Gervais’ classic sitcom – was announced this morning, sparking an outpouring of tributes.
5
He played ‘Buffet Man’ in After Life, season three
5
Ewen MacIntosh has died at the age of 50 Credit: Getty – Contributor
5
The actor shared a photo from his hospital bed in 2022. Credit: X/TWITTER
The star has previously shared her trips to the hospital due to mysterious health issues.
He posted on X – formerly known as Twitter – in February 2022 and shared a picture of himself in a hospital bed with monitoring equipment attached to his body.
He tweeted: “I’m afraid bad times are my friends. Stay strong out there 👍.”
Ewen did not provide any additional details about the medical conditions that led to his hospitalization.
But the comic was inundated with messages from well-wishers, including celebrities.
TalkSPORT’s Max Rushden told him: “Sending you all the best my friend x.”
And actress Holli Dempsey, who also appeared in After Life, added: “Sending love and healing vibes to you Ewen xx.”
This was the last photo the actor publicly posted on social media.
The cause of Ewen’s death has not yet been revealed.
But in a statement announcing his death, his management team confirmed the actor had been supported by staff at Willow Green Care Home.
The care home’s website states that it “endeavors to ensure that our residents enjoy a happy, comfortable and safe environment where independence and personal needs are always taken into account by compassionate and highly trained staff”.
Chelle Just of Just Right Management added that 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 delighted and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen, but would appreciate privacy to grieve at this very difficult time.
“We will miss Ewen very much. May you be Ewen.”
The Office icon also opened up about her struggle to find acting work and falling on hard times in 2016.
Ewen MacIntosh’s last post as ‘Keith’ from The Office had to rely on personalized videos for money after going bankrupt
The comedian’s management confirmed his tragic death this morning.
A spokesperson for JustRight Management wrote: “It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful death of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.
“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.”
Tributes have flooded in for the Ricky Gervais-led star.
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.”
It comes as…
His friend Ed Scott also shared a heartfelt tribute, writing: “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.”
Meanwhile, Mr Scott, managing director of Dodged A Bullet Music, added: “Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness and integrity and above all a really good man.
“I send my love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr., brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.”
Office fans have flooded social media with tributes to Ewen Maclntosh.
One fan wrote: “Very sad news today about the passing of Ewen MacIntosh.
“He will always be fondly remembered primarily as a great guy, but also as a key part of the greatest British sitcom of all time. A great legacy to leave. RIP”
While another said: “Ewen MacIntosh will forever be a legend.”
COMEDY LEGEND
During his time on the popular sitcom The Office, Ewen’s portrayal of the deadbeat accountant became a hit for a number of comedic moments – including dressing up as Ali G.
He also described his weakness on a staff assessment as “eczema” and was famous for his iconic scotch egg scene.
The star remained, despite numerous staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company, until his final episode in 2003.
In an interview with Vice in 2021, the actor joked that he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his character’s favorite food. ‘
He said: “The prop man snapped up and bought them at the last minute.”
Meanwhile, on After Life, MacIntosh had fans laughing through his portrayal of ‘Buffet Man’ – a man banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
MacIntosh also appeared in a 2020 episode of Come Dine With Me alongside Charlotte Crosby and Dawn Ward.
The actor previously starred in Miranda, Little Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.
5
Ewen MacIntosh was a fan favorite as Keith in The Office Credit: BBC
5
Ricky Gervais, seen here with Ewen in The Office, paid tribute to his former colleague Credit: TNI Press
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education