Actor and comedian
Ewen MacIntosh
, widely popular for playing Keith Bishop in
Ricky Gervais ' original British series
The Office
, has died aged 50.
The reasons for his death were not disclosed.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh,” the company that represented him artistically posted on social media.
“His family thanks everyone who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.
“There will be a private cremation soon for family and close friends and a celebratory memorial later this year.”
Born in Wales, MacIntosh appeared in several shows on stage and screen, including
Little Britain
and the reality show
Celebrity Come Dine with Me
, and also performed at the Edinburgh Fridge Festival in 2007.
But it was his emergence into the landmark comedy series
The Office
, which aired from 2001 to 2003, that cemented MacIntosh's name in UK television folklore.
Playing the deadpan accountant Keith Bishop
, he stole numerous scenes across two seasons of the hit show, which catapulted its creators Gervais and Stephen Merchant and many of its actors to stardom.
He later teamed up with Gervais in the final series of After Life, playing a man who had been banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
He also had a participation in the North American version of The Office.
Ewen MacIntosh, opposite Ricky Gervais in "The Office."
They then shared a cast in "After Liffe."
Tributes from his friends
Ricky Gervais was among those who led tributes to MacIntosh.
“Extremely sad news.
The very funny and charming Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from
The Office
, has died.
An absolute original.
RIP”, he wrote on the social network X.
"It may have had a famous face known to millions like Keith from The Office, but the person inside is what I will remember most," wrote his friend Ed Scott, CEO of DAB Music.
“Ewen was full of empathy, kindness and integrity and, above all,
he was a really good man
.
“He sends love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr, his brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.”
Ewen MacIntosh's character Keith Bishop was
a Scotch-loving accountant
who had a monotonous message on his answering machine and would have preferred a career as a DJ.
Chewing gum and looking bored, Keith answers "I don't know" to every answer and lists eczema as her weakness and beads as his strength.
In "After Life," Ewen MacIntosh composed a man who had been banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
His most recent acting appearance was in 2017 as Lionel in the British romantic comedy film
Finding Fatimah
.