Ewen MacIntosh dead: Keith from The Office dies at 50 – as tributes paid

ACTOR Ewen MacIntosh, who starred as Keith Bishop in The Office, has tragically died aged 50.

The comedian played the oddball character in the UK version of the classic sitcom starring Ricky Gervais.

Ewen's portrayal of the deadpan accountant was praised 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 love of Scotch eggs.

Tributes have flooded in for the star led by his co-star 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."

Ewen's management team wrote: "With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.

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 Afer Life cameo
• Ewen last social media post showed he was relying on personalised videos after going bankrupt

"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."

Chelle Just from Just Right Management said Ewen 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."

While his 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 appeared in The Office from its first series in 2001 until it ended two years later.

He famously left co-star Martin Freeman in hysterics when they filmed the Scotch egg scene.

The scene, which saw Ewen took a huge bite from the pub snack while making inappropriate comments, was shot multiple times as Freeman could not keep a straight face.

Speaking about the iconic moment, the actor revealed the inclusion of the Scotch egg was a last-minute change.

He said: "The props guy nipped out to Sainsbury’s to get some and it’s a good job he bought a lot because I went through them.

";We were reusing them by the end, turning them around to hide the bites because we did so many takes."

HEALTH WOES

But while Freeman and Gervais became Hollywood royalty, Ewen struggled to follow suit 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."

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.

He also had roles in Miranda and Little Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.

In 2020, Ewen appeared on Celebrity Come Dine With Me alongside Charlotte Crosby and Dawn Ward.