- By Srishti Pandey
- Thu, 22 Feb 2024 12:12 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Ewen MacIntosh Death: Comedy fans around the world are mourning the loss of Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as Keith Bishop in the iconic sitcom 'The Office.' The actor passed away peacefully at the age of 50, as confirmed by his management company. In a statement, Just Right Management announced, “With great sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.”
With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh. 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
— JustRight Management (@JustRightMgt) February 21, 2024
So very sad to hear of Ewen MacIntosh’s passing. A lovely, uniquely funny man who played Keith in The Office. So hilarious when we asked him to improv a voicemail message that we wrote more dialogue for him, and he stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss. RIP pic.twitter.com/tEuaUoeWaC
— Stephen Merchant (@StephenMerchant) February 21, 2024
The news of MacIntosh's passing was met with an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues alike. Ricky Gervais, co-creator and star of 'The Office,' took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his sorrow, calling MacIntosh "an absolute original" and offering his condolences to the actor's family and friends.
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. pic.twitter.com/Hhd3zkRVMs
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 21, 2024
Chelle Just, also from Just Right Management, revealed that MacIntosh had been battling health issues for the past two years. She described him as not only a talented actor but also a kind-hearted individual who brought joy to all who knew him.
MacIntosh's portrayal of Keith Bishop, the deadpan accountant with a passion for DJing, endeared him to fans of 'The Office' worldwide. His comedic timing and memorable scenes, such as casually eating a scotch egg while dispensing awkward romantic advice, have left a lasting impact on audiences.
RIP Ewen MacIntosh.
— The Ricky Gervais Clips (@gervaisclips) February 21, 2024
What a comedy legend. pic.twitter.com/HHow9ROO87
The TV channel Gold, which aired 'The Office,' also paid tribute to MacIntosh, saying, “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.”
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MacIntosh's family has expressed their gratitude for the support and care he received, especially from Willow Green Care Home. They have requested privacy as they grieve his loss and plan to hold a private cremation followed by a celebratory memorial later this year. Ewen MacIntosh's talent and humour will be dearly missed, but his legacy as Keith Bishop will continue to bring laughter to fans of 'The Office' for years to come.
'The Office' was the British mockumentary television sitcom that was first broadcast on BBC Two on July 9, 2001. The show was created, written, and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, and it follows the daily lives of office employees who work at the Slough branch of the fictional Wernham Hogg paper company. In addition to creating the show, Gervais also starred in it as the central character, David Brent.