February 21, 2024, 09:59 GMT
Updated 1 hour ago
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Ricky Gervais described Ewen MacIntosh (pictured) as 'an absolute original'
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, known for his role as “Big Keith” on “The Office,” has died at the age of 50.
The character, Keith Bishop, was a Scotch egg-loving accountant who had a monotone answering machine and would have preferred a career as a DJ.
MacIntosh also appeared in other British comedies including Miranda and Little Britain.
Bishop, who worked at the fictional paper company Wernham Hogg, is remembered for scenes such as dressing up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.
Office manager David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais, has him list his strengths and weaknesses in his assessment.
Keith is chewing gum and looks bored. He replies “don’t know” to all the answers and cites eczema as his weakness and accounts as his strength.
MacIntosh appeared in both series of The Office, which first aired in 2001.
He was last seen as Lionel in the British romantic comedy “Finding Fatimah” in 2017.
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Office creator Ricky Gervais described Ewen MacIntosh as an “absolute original.”
“My first scene with Martin [Freeman]where I eat the Scotch egg – for some reason we had problems with that,” he recalls.
“It took forever to get this done. I went through a lot of Scotch eggs. I wasn't told anything about it. The prop guy bought it at the last minute.”
Actress Miranda Hart paid tribute to MacIntosh and said she was glad they got to film a scene together on her BBC comedy show Miranda.
“We were the same age and crossed paths many times while trying our best to be funny and make a living at it,” she wrote on Instagram. “It wasn't always likely, but we did it and I'm glad we were able to film a scene together. Thanks xx.”
Actor Rufus Jones, director and writer of the comedy TV series Home, called MacIntosh an “absolute fun-lover.”
“A well-known and hilarious member of the Edinburgh sketch scene when we all started out, and later created one of the most iconic scene-stealers in the history of TV comedy.” he wrote on X.
MacIntosh, who attended Edinburgh University and was actively involved in its comedy troupe, appeared at the 2007 Fringe Festival in a double bill with Tim FitzHigham.
In 2009, he appeared in a charity music video for Chris Rea's “Driving Home for Christmas” along with other celebrities.
TV network Gold tweeted: “We loved him as Keith on The Office and were lucky enough to work with him on the network over the years. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
MacIntosh's friend Ed Scott said: “He may have had a famous face, known to millions as Keith from The Office, but the person in it is the one I will remember most.”
“Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness and integrity and, above all, a truly good man.”
MacIntosh's cause of death has not been confirmed, but he died at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington.
Scott said: “Thanks to the incredible care and love of the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him as he brought a smile to their everyday lives.”
The actor's agency Just Right Management announced that there would be a private cremation for family and close friends, as well as a solemn memorial service later in the year.