Ewen MacIntosh, star of the British comedy ‘The Office’, dies at 50

London
cnn
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British actor Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role in the BBC comedy series “The Office,” has died at the age of 50, his representatives confirmed.

“It is with great sadness that I can confirm the very sad news of the passing of our client Ewen. Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and had such a kind heart. “He touched the lives of everyone who came into contact with him,” Just Right Management said in a statement to CNN on Wednesday.

“Ewen suffered from poor health over the past two years and passed away peacefully on February 19 from undisclosed causes. “Her family is heartened and deeply appreciates all the love showered on Ewen, but would appreciate the privacy to grieve at this very difficult time,” she continues.

“Ewen will be greatly missed. May the gods speed Ewen,” the company added.

MacIntosh was best known for playing “Big Keith,” the deadpan accountant on “The Office.” The classic British comedy, which ran for three seasons between 2001 and 2003, was created by comedian Ricky Gervais, who led tributes to the actor.

“Extremely sad news. The very funny and charming Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has died. An absolute original. RIP,” Gervais wrote in a mail in X.

Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote and co-directed “The Office,” called MacIntosh “a charming and uniquely funny man.”

“He was so funny when we asked him to improvise a voicemail message that we wrote more dialogue for him and he stole every scene he was in. Totally unique. A tragic loss. RIP,” Merchant wrote in a mail in X.