'The Office' actor Ewen MacIntosh dies at 50. Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant lead tributes

Ewen MacIntosh, renowned for his iconic portrayal of "Big Keith" in The Office (UK), has died today, BBC reported. The 50-year-old actor and comedian, who brought the lovably dull accountant Keith Bishop to life, was rushed to the hospital before he passed but the cause of death has not been made public.

MacIntosh portrayed Keith Bishop, the scotch egg-loving accountant from the fictional paper company Wernham Hogg in The Office. Ricky Gervais, the show's creator, led tributes on X, describing MacIntosh as "an absolute original."

“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,” Gervais wrote.
Stephen Merchant, co-writer and co-director of the BBC series, reminisced on Instagram about MacIntosh's improvisational genius. "A total one-off. A tragic loss," Merchant remarked.
Beyond The Office, MacIntosh showcased his comedic versatility in various British comedies, including Miranda and Little Britain. In the romantic comedy film Finding Fatimah (2017), he portrayed Lionel.

Ricky Gervais' ‘After Life’ featured MacIntosh as "Buffet Man," banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant. Matt Lucas, comedian and TV presenter, expressed deep sorrow at MacIntosh's passing, highlighting his sweetness, intelligence, and humility.

MacIntosh's cause of death remains undisclosed. He died at Willow Green Care Home in Darlington, England.