Tributes have poured in for Ewen MacIntosh, who has sadly died at the age of 50.
On Wednesday (February 21), the actor's representatives revealed that MacIntosh had passed away.
"With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh," JustRight Management said in a statement. "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."
Ed Scott - a close friend of MacIntosh and CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music - also shared a poignant tribute to the beloved star of The Office, saying in a statement: "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."
MacIntosh is perhaps best known for his role in Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's BBC sitcom The Office in the early 2000s, in which, he played accountant "Big" Keith Bishop. The actor's impeccable comedic timing and deadpan humor meant he was perfect for playing the bumbling and socially inept office worker.
Following the news of MacIntosh's passing, Gervais has taken to X to pay tribute to his former co-star.
"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," the show creator tweeted.
Officials from the TV channel Gold also paid tribute to the star, writing: "We at GOLD are saddened to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time."
Comedy producer Gina Lyons added: "Heartbroken to hear a very special friend @ewenmacintosh has passed away. He was such an incredibly kind and funny person. Eternally loved."
Actor Rufus Jones also tweeted: "Thinking of Ewen Macintosh today, who I’m reading has sadly left us. A familiar and hilarious member of the Edinburgh sketch scene when we all started, and went on to create one of the most iconic scene stealers in tv comedy history. An absolute pleasure of a guy."
And TV personality Lizzie Cundy wrote: "I am devastated to hear my dear friend Ewen Macintosh has passed away. We were great mates and we danced together in Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas video. Such a lovely man inside and out.. Love and prayers to his family."
And, to remember the comedy legend, here is one of my personal favorite outtakes from the show:
Our thoughts continue to go out to MacIntosh's family, friends, and fans at this time.
