Featured Image Credit: Jeff Spicer/Getty BBC
Topics: The Office, TV and Film
Claire Reid
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh has sadly died aged 50.
MacIntosh was best known for his role of Keith Bishop in The Office but also had roles in Miranda and Little Britain.
His management team, Just Right Management, confirmed the sad news on X, writing: “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.”
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Tributes have begun to pour in for MacIntosh with The Office creator Ricky Gervais taking to X to say: “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.”
While pal Ed Scott wrote: “I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.
“He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember.
“Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man.
“Sending love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr, his brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.”
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The popular Out of Office podcast also paid tribute, writing: “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.”
Comedy TV channel Gold wrote: "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 appeared in both seasons of the hit Gervais sitcom as well as the Christmas special - playing deadpan, scotch-egg-loving Wernham Hogg accountant Keith.
He reunited with Gervais for a small role in his Netflix series After Life.
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Although best known for his role in The Office, MacIntosh once revealed he missed out on an acting gig where the casting team were looking for someone just like Keith.
He shared: "There was a thing came through for an advert for Norwich Union and on the brief they said we want a sort of Keith from The Office character. My agent went, 'I'll put you up for it'. I went, 'Really?'. They went. 'Yeah go along, they want a Keith from The Office...' And I went along - and I didn't get it. Similar things happened a couple of times."