[ad_1]
Ricky Gervais described Ewen MacIntosh (pictured) as “absolutely original”
Actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as “Big Keith” on The Office, has died aged 50.
The character, Keith Bishop, was a Scotch-loving accountant who had a monotonous message on his answering machine and would have preferred a career as a DJ.
MacIntosh also appeared in other British comedies, including Miranda and Little Britain.
Bishop, who worked at the fictional paper company Wernham Hogg, will be remembered for scenes such as when he dressed up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.
In his assessment, office manager David Brent, played by Ricky Gervais, makes him list his strengths and weaknesses.
Chewing gum and looking bored, Keith answers “I don’t know” to all the answers and lists eczema as his weakness and beads as his strength.
MacIntosh appeared in both series of The Office, which first aired in 2001.
His most recent acting credit was in 2017 as Lionel in the British romantic comedy film Finding Fatimah.
Office creator Ricky Gervais described Ewen MacIntosh as an “absolute original”
“My first scene with Martin (Freeman), where like the Scotch egg, we had trouble doing it for some reason,” he recalled.
“It took me a long time to get it done. I ate a lot of Scotch eggs. They didn’t tell me anything. The prop guy ran out and bought them at the last minute.”
Actress Miranda Hart paid tribute to MacIntosh and said she was glad they were able to do a scene together on her BBC comedy show Miranda.
“We were the same age and crossed paths many times while doing our best to be funny and make a living at it.” she wrote on Instagram. “It wasn’t always likely but we did it and I’m glad we got to do a scene together. Thank you xx.”
Actor Rufus Jones, who directed and wrote the comedy series Home, called MacIntosh “an absolute delight of a man.”
“A familiar and funny member of the Edinburgh sketch scene when we all started, and who went on to create one of the most iconic scene-stealers in the history of television comedy.” wrote in X.
MacIntosh, who attended Edinburgh University and was active in his comedy group, performed at the Fringe Festival in 2007 as part of a double act with Tim FitzHigham.
In 2009, she appeared in a charity music video for Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas alongside other celebrities.
TV channel Gold tweeted: “We loved him as Keith on The Office and were lucky to work with him over the years at the network. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at such a difficult time.”
MacIntosh’s friend Ed Scott said: “He may have had a famous face known to millions like Keith from The Office, but the person inside is what I will remember most.
“Ewen was full of empathy, kindness and integrity and, above all, he was a really good man.”
MacIntosh’s cause of death has not been confirmed, but he died at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington.
Scott said: “Thank you to the incredible care and love given by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who loved you as you brought a smile to their days.”
The actor’s agency, Just Right Management, said there would be a private cremation for family and close friends, and a celebratory memorial service later this year.