Ewen MacIntosh, actor who starred in the British edition of “The Office,” has died. He was 50 years old.
MacIntosh starred in the British workplace comedy co-created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. He played accountant and aspiring DJ “Big Keith” Bishop in the two-season series that aired from 2001 to 2003.
“It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh,” Just Right Management wrote on Tuesday. cheep. “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.”
In a Wednesday statement to the Times, MacIntosh spokeswoman Chelle Just said the actor “suffered health issues for the past two years and passed away peacefully on February 19 from undisclosed causes.”
“Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and had such a kind heart. He touched the lives of everyone who came into contact with him,” Just said, adding: “His family is heartened and deeply appreciates all the love showered on Ewen, but would appreciate the privacy to grieve at this very difficult time. “
Gervais and Merchant led the tributes to the actor, whose memorable character included “eczema” among his weaknesses, had a predilection for scotch eggs and dressed as Sacha Baron Cohen's wannabe gangsta rapper Ali G for the office's Red Nose Day observance.
“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,” tweeted Gervais, who played office manager David Brent and later made cameos in the long-running version of the NBC series.
In an Instagram post, co-writer and co-director Merchant shed light on MacIntosh's work on the show.
“I am very saddened to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh, a charming and uniquely funny man who played accountant Keith on The Office,” he wrote. “I fondly remember asking him to improvise a message outside the office and he was so funny that we started writing more and more dialogues for him. He soon stole every scene in which he appeared. Totally unique. A tragic loss. RIP”
The “Miranda” and “Little Britain” actor was also fondly remembered by other friends and colleagues on social media.
“We were the same age and crossed paths many times while doing our best to be funny and make a living at it,” co-star Miranda Hart wrote on Instagram. “It wasn't always likely, but we did it and I'm glad we got to do a scene together. Thank you xx.”
“Gutted to hear this. Really great guy and a great help to emerging filmmakers.” directorJamie McKee tweeted. “I always had time for everyone and a great sense of humor. And it turned out he was behind one of the greatest comedy characters of all time. RIP, great Keith.”
“Absolutely gutted! “Ewen was a wonderfully kind, understanding and very funny guy.” screenwriter and director Paul Holbrook aggregate. “RIP mate, and I really hope they serve scotch eggs there!”
