Ricky Gervais shares emotional tribute to Ewen MacIntosh who played Keith in The Office as star dies aged 50

RICKY Gervais has shared an emotional tribute to Ewen MacIntosh after the star died aged 50.

The actor played deadpan accountant 'Big Keith' Bishop in Gervais's hit show The Office.

Gervais's tribute read: "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," the comedian and actor, 62, added.

He later tweeted an image of the pair, with Ewen dressed up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.

Gervais said: "A day without laughter is a day wasted."

It comes as...

• 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

Ewen appeared in the classic sitcom's first series in 2001 as Keith, the accountant with a passion for Scotch eggs.

His character starred alongside Gervais's obnoxious and embarrassing office manager David Brent.

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

Stephen Merchant, who was co-writer and co-director of The Office, also paid tribute to Ewen.

He wrote: "So very sad to hear of Ewen MacIntosh's passing. A lovely, uniquely funny man who played Keith in The Office.

"So hilarious when we asked him to improv a voicemail message that we wrote more dialogue for him, and he stole every scene he was in.

"A total one-off. A tragic loss. RIP."

The actor teamed up with Gervais again in the final series of After Life, where he played "Buffet Man" - a man barred from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.

When journalist Tony and his colleague went off to interview someone for a story, they were met by a plump, boring fella just as expressionless as Big Keith himself.

The character was a nice little nod to Keith, who had a monotone answerphone message and would have have rather had a career as a DJ.

Ewen's management team 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."

An absolute original.

Ricky Gervais

Away from the sitcom, Ewen struggled to get roles and went bankrupt in 2016.

He also opened up on his health battles - revealing in 2022 he had been admitted to hospital.

Ewen wrote at the time: "Bad times for me I'm afraid chums. Stay strong out there."

He also appeared in shows such as Miranda and Little Britain.