Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as 'Big Keith' in the popular British sitcom 'The Office', has died at the age of 50. Ricky Gervais, the show's creator, called MacIntosh “an absolute original”.
Ewen MacIntosh PHOTO BBC
MacIntosh was an actor appreciated for his comedic talent and for his memorable performance of Keith Bishop in The Office, an iconic character who brought many moments of amusement and joy to the audience, notes the Daily Mail.
Born in Merionethshire, MacIntosh was educated at Repton School in Derbyshire and studied linguistics at the University of Edinburgh. Actively involved in university theater, he thus developed his skills and began to make his way into the world of entertainment.
A diversified career
His most famous role was that of Keith Bishop, the indifferent accountant in The Office, a character who became iconic for his dry humor.
His other notable appearances include collaborations in series such as Miranda and Little Britain.
MacIntosh has also had various film roles, including: the British romantic comedy Finding Fatimah (2017), where he played the role of Lionel. In The Confusion of Tongues (2014), he starred as Barry the window cleaner. He also had a cameo appearance in the controversial Serbian film “A Field in England” (2013).
In addition to television and film, MacIntosh was also present in other artistic mediums. He has appeared on radio shows, including the radio sitcom “Cabin Pressure” where he played Carl, the bored ATC operator. He has also appeared in national TV commercials, such as the one for ao.com in 2013.
His career also extended into the music world. He appeared in the charity music video for Chris Rea's “Driving Home for Christmas” in 2009 and presented various music programs on Now 80s and Now 90s. In addition, he performed with Tim FitzHigham at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.
Although he had moments of success and popularity, MacIntosh's life was also marked by less happy moments. In 2016, the actor was declared bankrupt, and his important roles in productions became rarer.
However, he remained dedicated to his art and continued his work in comedy. In 2022, he made another cameo appearance in the third and final series of After Life.
The actor died at only 50 years old
The death of Ewen MacIntosh was met with sadness and regret in the entertainment industry. Friends and colleagues paid tribute to him for his talent, but also for his warm and humorous personality.
Those who knew him will always fondly remember him as an outstanding talent and a wonderful person who contributed to some of the most memorable moments in British comedy.
Ricky Gervais, creator of The Office, was among the first to pay tribute this morning.
“Extremely sad news. The very funny and very nice Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has died. An absolute original. RIP”he sent on X/Twitter.
TV Gold channel broadcast: “I loved him as Keith in The Office and have been lucky enough to work with him over the years. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time.”
“Heartbroken to hear that a very special friend, Ewen MacIntosh, has passed away. He was an incredibly kind and funny person. Endless Love”wrote comedy producer Gina Lyons
A private cremation will take place for family and close friends, and a memorial service will be held later in the year to pay a final tribute to the man that was Ewen MacIntosh.
The cause of his death has not been confirmed, but friends praised the “empathy” shown by the medical staff who attended to him. MacIntosh was never married and had no children.
