Inside Ewen MacIntosh’s health battle with The Office star taken to hospital and ‘supported by care home’ before death

THE OFFICE star Ewen MacIntosh's two years of health struggles saw him taken to hospital and 'supported by a care home' before his tragic death at age 50.

The death of the actor - known for playing 'Big Keith' Bishop in Ricky Gervais' classic sitcom - was announced this morning, sparking a flood of tributes.

The star previously shared his trips to hospital amid 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: "Bad times for me I'm afraid chums. Stay strong out there 👍."

Ewen did not give any further details on the health woes which saw him hospitalised.

But the comic was inundated with messages from well-wishers, including celebs.

TalkSPORT's Max Rushden told him: "Sending you all the best mate x."

And actress Holli Dempsey, who also appeared in After Life, added: "Sending love and healing vibes to ya Ewen xx."

This was the last photo the actor publicly posted on social media.

Ewen's cause of death has not yet been revealed.

But in a statement announcing his passing, his management team confirmed the actor had been supported by staff at Willow Green Care Home.

The care home's website says it "aims to ensure that our residents enjoy a happy, comfortable and safe environment where independence and personal needs are always considered by compassionate and highly trained staff".

Chelle Just from Just Right Management added MacIntosh had "suffered from ill health for the past two years".

She said in a statement: "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 suffered from ill health these past two years and passed peacefully on the 19th February from undisclosed causes.

"His family are heartened by and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen but would appreciate the privacy for them to grieve at this very difficult time.

"Ewen will be so very dearly missed. Godspeed Ewen."

The Office icon had also opened up about his struggle to find acting work and fell on hard times in 2016.

The comedian's management confirmed his tragic passing this morning.

A spokesperson from JustRight Management wrote: "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."

Tributes have flooded in for the star led by 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."

It comes as...

• Ricky Gervais shared an emotional tribute to his co-star
• Ewen had opened up about his health battles previously
• Devastated fans vow to have a Scotch egg in the actor's honour
• A final photo of Ewen was taken just weeks on from his After Life cameo

His pal Ed Scott also shared a heartfelt tribute and 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."

Meanwhile, Mr Scott, the CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music, added: "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."

Fans of the Office have flooded social media with tributes to Ewen Maclntosh.

One fan wrote: "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"

While another said: "Ewen MacIntosh will forever be a legend."

COMEDY LEGEND

During his time on popular sitcom The Office, Ewen's portrayal of the deadpan accountant became a hit for a string of comedy moments - including dressing as Ali G.

He also described his weakness on a staff appraisal as “eczema” and was famed for his iconic scotch egg scene.

The star remained, despite a number of staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper firm, until its last episode in 2003.

In an interview with Vice in 2021, the actor joked he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his character's favourite food. '

He said: "The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute."

Meanwhile, on After Life, MacIntosh made fans chuckle throughout his portrayal of 'Buffet Man' - a man banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant. 

MacIntosh also appeared in an episode of Come Dine With Me in 2020 alongside Charlotte Crosby and Dawn Ward.

The actor previously featured in Miranda, Little Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.