The Office Actor Ewen MacIntosh Dies Aged 50
In a tragic loss for the entertainment industry, actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as “Big Keith” in the hit TV show The Office, has passed away at the age of 50.
MacIntosh’s portrayal of Keith Bishop, a scotch egg-loving accountant with a monotone answering machine message, endeared him to audiences and showcased his unique comedic talent. Alongside his work on The Office, MacIntosh also appeared in other beloved British comedies such as Miranda and Little Britain.
Ricky Gervais, the creator of The Office, led the tributes to MacIntosh, describing him as “an absolute original.” MacIntosh’s undeniable comedic presence and his ability to steal scenes will be sorely missed.
Ewen MacIntosh: The Office actor dies aged 50
Character of Keith Bishop in The Office
Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as “Big Keith” in the hit comedy series The Office, has tragically passed away at the age of 50. MacIntosh portrayed the character Keith Bishop, an accountant at the fictional paper company Wernham Hogg. Keith was known for his love of scotch eggs, his monotone answerphone message, and his dream of becoming a DJ. His deadpan delivery and unique comedic timing made him a beloved character among fans of the show.
MacIntosh’s other comedy roles
In addition to his iconic role in The Office, Ewen MacIntosh graced the screens in various other British comedies. He made appearances in popular shows such as Miranda and Little Britain, demonstrating his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring humor to any role he took on. MacIntosh’s comedic talents were undeniable, leaving a lasting impression on audiences with his unforgettable performances.
Tributes from Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant
Upon hearing the news of Ewen MacIntosh’s passing, Ricky Gervais, the creator of The Office, led the tributes to the late actor. Gervais took to Twitter to express his sorrow and describe MacIntosh as “an absolute original.”
He shared fond memories of working with him on set and praised his comedic brilliance. Stephen Merchant, co-writer and co-director of The Office, also paid tribute to MacIntosh on Instagram, remembering him as a “lovely and uniquely funny man” who could effortlessly steal every scene he was in. The outpouring of love and admiration from Gervais, Merchant, and other colleagues is a testament to MacIntosh’s talent and the impact he had on the comedy industry.
Career Highlights and Memorable Characters
Keith Bishop in The Office
Ewen MacIntosh’s portrayal of Keith Bishop in The Office remains one of his most memorable roles to date. Keith’s deadpan delivery and quirky personality made him a fan favorite.
Whether it was his obsession with scotch eggs or his infamous answerphone message, MacIntosh brought Keith to life in a way that left a lasting impression on audiences. His comedic timing and ability to find humor in even the most mundane moments made Keith Bishop an iconic character in television comedy.
Other British comedies
In addition to his role in The Office, MacIntosh showcased his comedic talents in other British comedies.
He made appearances in shows such as Miranda and Little Britain, proving his versatility as an actor. MacIntosh’s ability to bring laughter to any role he took on further solidified his status as a beloved figure in the comedy industry. His presence on screen was always a delight, and he will be remembered for his contributions to British comedy.
Scene stealing ability
One of Ewen MacIntosh’s greatest talents was his ability to steal the spotlight in every scene he appeared in.
Whether it was a small role or a major part, MacIntosh had a knack for capturing the audience’s attention and leaving them wanting more. His unique comedic style and charismatic presence made him a scene-stealer, often becoming the highlight of any production he was involved in. MacIntosh’s scene-stealing ability was a testament to his talent and his natural ability to make people laugh.
Ricky Gervais pays tribute
Gervais leads the tributes
Ricky Gervais, the creator of The Office, was among the first to pay tribute to Ewen MacIntosh following the news of his passing. Gervais took to Twitter to express his sadness and share his memories of working with MacIntosh.
The two had a special bond, and Gervais spoke highly of MacIntosh’s comedic genius and one-of-a-kind personality. Gervais’ tribute is a testament to the impact MacIntosh had on him personally and professionally.
Describes MacIntosh as ‘an absolute original’
In his tribute, Ricky Gervais described Ewen MacIntosh as “an absolute original.” Gervais recognized MacIntosh’s ability to bring a unique and authentic quality to his performances, making him stand out in the comedy industry.
MacIntosh’s portrayal of Keith Bishop in The Office was a prime example of his originality and his unmistakable talent for comedy. Gervais’ words are a heartfelt acknowledgment of MacIntosh’s contributions to the entertainment world.
Fond memories from the set of The Office
Ricky Gervais also shared fond memories of working with Ewen MacIntosh on the set of The Office. Gervais recounted how MacIntosh’s improvisation skills led to more and more dialogue being written for his character, Keith Bishop.
MacIntosh’s ability to make people laugh was evident both on and off screen, and Gervais cherished the moments they shared together. Gervais’ tribute serves as a reminder of MacIntosh’s infectious humor and the joy he brought to those around him.
MacIntosh’s appearances in other shows and films
Miranda and Little Britain
Ewen MacIntosh’s comedic talents were not limited to his role in The Office. He also made appearances in other popular British comedies, including Miranda and Little Britain. MacIntosh’s ability to adapt to different comedic styles showcased his versatility as an actor. His performances in these shows were met with acclaim and further solidified his status as a comedic force to be reckoned with.
Final season of After Life
In the final season of Ricky Gervais’ hit series After Life, Ewen MacIntosh had a role as “Buffet Man,” a character who had been banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant. MacIntosh’s appearance in the show was met with excitement from fans who were eager to see him on screen once again.
His comedic timing and impeccable delivery added another layer of humor to the already successful series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Interview about his character’s passion for scotch eggs
In a 2021 interview with Vice, Ewen MacIntosh spoke about his character’s love for scotch eggs in The Office.
He recalled a memorable scene with Martin Freeman, where he had to eat multiple scotch eggs. MacIntosh revealed that it took a while to film the scene because he ended up consuming numerous scotch eggs throughout the process. His dedication to his craft and ability to find humor in any situation further solidified his status as a comedic genius.
Tributes from colleagues and friends
Miranda Hart’s tribute
Actor and comedian Miranda Hart, who had the pleasure of working with Ewen MacIntosh on her BBC comedy show Miranda, paid tribute to him on Instagram. She expressed her sadness at his passing and reminisced about their shared experiences in the comedy industry.
Hart praised MacIntosh’s talent and reflected on their journey as fellow comedians. Her tribute is a testament to the camaraderie and admiration shared among those in the comedy community.
Matt Lucas expresses sadness
Comedian and TV presenter Matt Lucas shared his sadness upon hearing the news of Ewen MacIntosh’s death. Lucas, who had the opportunity to work with MacIntosh on Little Britain, described him as “sweet, smart, and humble.” Lucas recognized MacIntosh’s brilliance as a comedian and spoke highly of their time together on set. His tribute is a heartfelt acknowledgment of MacIntosh’s impact on the comedy world.
Comedian Rufus Jones remembers the Edinburgh sketch scene
Comedian Rufus Jones, who directed and wrote the comedy TV series Home, paid tribute to Ewen MacIntosh on X. Jones described MacIntosh as an “absolute pleasure of a guy” and recalled their time in the Edinburgh sketch scene. MacIntosh’s talent for stealing scenes and his iconic presence in TV comedy history were recognized and celebrated by Jones.
His tribute highlights the deep respect and appreciation MacIntosh garnered from his colleagues.
Personal life and charity work
Edinburgh University and comedy troupe
Ewen MacIntosh’s journey in comedy began during his time at Edinburgh University, where he was actively involved in the comedy troupe. His comedic talents were nurtured and honed during this period, setting the foundation for his future success. MacIntosh’s time at Edinburgh University and his involvement in the comedy scene shaped his career and contributed to his development as a performer.
Charity music video appearance
In 2009, Ewen MacIntosh made a memorable appearance in a charity music video for Chris Rea’s “Driving Home for Christmas.” MacIntosh joined other celebrities in the video, using his platform to contribute to a good cause. His involvement in charitable endeavors showcased his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the world of comedy.
Tributes from friends and colleagues
Tributes poured in from friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry following Ewen MacIntosh’s passing. TV personality Lizzy Cundy shared a heartfelt tribute on X, remembering MacIntosh as a “lovely man inside and out.”
She reflected on their friendship and their time working together on the music video for “Driving Home for Christmas.” The outpouring of tributes serves as a testament to MacIntosh’s character and the lasting connections he formed with those around him.
Cause of death and funeral arrangements
Details of MacIntosh’s passing
The cause of Ewen MacIntosh’s untimely death has not been confirmed. However, he passed away at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington. The news of his death came as a shock to friends, colleagues, and fans who admired his talent and comedic genius. MacIntosh’s passing is a profound loss for the entertainment industry and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Private cremation and memorial service planned
Just Right Management, Ewen MacIntosh’s agency, announced that there would be a private cremation for family and close friends. A celebratory memorial service is also planned for a later date, allowing friends, colleagues, and fans to come together and celebrate his life and legacy.
These arrangements provide an opportunity for those who loved and admired MacIntosh to pay their respects and say their final goodbyes.
Ewen MacIntosh’s passing has left a void in the comedy world, but his unique talent and memorable performances will continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences for years to come. His contributions to comedy, both on and off screen, have cemented his place as a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
As fans and colleagues mourn the loss of an exceptional talent, they also celebrate the incredible impact he had on their lives.
