UNTIMELY DEATH
Who was Ewen Macintosh?
Ewen has died from undisclosed health issues after being treated at a care home in Littlehampton
EWEN MacIntosh was a much-loved English actor who played Keith Bishop in The Office.
The comedian has sadly passed away at the age of 50.
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Who was Ewen Macintosh?
Ewan MacIntosh was a comedy actor who played oddball Keith in the original UK version of Ricky Gervais' classic sitcom The Office.
His deadpan portrayal of the accountant became a hit for a string of funny moments - including dressing up as Sacha Baron Cohen's Ali G.
When filming 'the Scotch egg scene', he famously left co-star Martin Freeman in hysterics.
In the iconic clip, Ewen takes a huge bite from the pub snack while making inappropriate comments, which had to be shot multiple times as Freeman couldn't control his laughter.
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Speaking about the hilarious 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."
He also described his weakness on a staff appraisal as “eczema”.
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The news broke that he tragically passed away on February 21, 2024.
Tributes have flooded in for Ewen, 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."
While 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."
His pal Ed Scott, the CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music, also shared a heartfelt tribute: "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."
What did Ewen Macintosh star in?
Away from the The Office, Ewen struggled to get roles.
He 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.
Ewen 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.
Ewen opened up on his health battles in 2022 - revealing he had been admitted to hospital.
He wrote at the time: "Bad times for me I'm afraid chums. Stay strong out there."
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What was Ewen Macintosh's net worth?
Ewen reportedly went bankrupt in 2016.
Even so, IdolNetWorth estimates he had a net worth of between $100,000 (£79,300) and $1million (£793,000).
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