"Absolute original": The Office star dies aged 50
<p><em>The Office</em> star Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. </p>
<p>The comedian shot to fame for his portrayal of oddball character Keith Bishop in the UK version of the sitcom, starring alongside Ricky Gervais. </p>
<p>Tributes have flooded in for the star, led by his co-star Gervais.</p>
<p>He wrote, “Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from <em>The Office</em>, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.”</p>
<p>Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote <em>The Office</em> with Gervais, said he was “so very sad” to hear of the death of MacIntosh, who he described as a “lovely and uniquely funny man”.</p>
<p>“I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him,” Merchant said in an Instagram tribute. “He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.”</p>
<p>Ewen’s management team announced his passing, writing, “With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh."</p>
<p>“His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home."</p>
<p>“There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year.”</p>
<p>His pal Ed Scott wrote, “I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>Away from the popular sitcom, Ewen struggled to get roles and went bankrupt in 2016.</p>
<p>MacIntosh teamed up with Gervais once more for a small role in <em>After Life</em>, and also had minor roles in <em>Little Britain</em> and <em>Miranda</em>. </p>
<p>He also opened up on his health battles, revealing in 2022 he had been admitted to hospital, saying it was a "Bad times for me I’m afraid chums," while urging his fans to "Stay strong out there.”</p>
<p><em>Image credits: BBC</em></p>
