'The Office' UK Star Ewen MacIntosh Dead at 50, Ricky Gervais Pays Tribute

the office uk big keith Ewen MacIntosh
BBC

The actor, who played 'Big Keith' on the beloved sitcom, died at age 50, his management company announced on Wednesday.

The Wernham Hogg family has lost one of their own.

Ewen MacIntosh, a Welsh actor and comedian who starred as "Big Keith" Bishop on the British version of The Office throughout its two series and subsequent "Christmas Special," has died at the age of 50.

MacIntosh's management company, Just Right Management, announced the sad news on social media on Wednesday, writing, "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."

Following the sad news, The Office creator Ricky Gervais took to X (formerly Twitter) to pay tribute to MacIntosh and retweet some fans sharing their favorite clips of Big Keith.

"Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away," Gervais wrote. "An absolute original. RIP."

MacIntosh's character was analogous to Kevin Malone -- played by Brian Baumgartner -- on the American remake of the sitcom. Big Keith's slow, deadpan delivery -- and love for scotch eggs -- led to some of the short-lived but beloved series' most iconic bloopers and biggest laughs.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted," Gervais also wrote, sharing a photo of him and MacIntosh on The Office set, where MacIntosh is dressed as Ali G and Gervais is cracking up.

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