Ewen MacIntosh Dies: ‘The Office’ Star Was 50

Ewen MacIntosh, best known for playing the scotch egg-loving accountant ‘Big Keith’ in the British version of The Office has died. He was 50.

The passing was confirmed by the actor’s talent agency, JustRight Management, who wrote, “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,” the statement continued.

A cause of death was not given.

Ricky Gervais, who co-created and starred in the seminal comedy series, took to social media to pay tribute to his former co-star.

“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 posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, February 21.

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

Comedian and former Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas also paid tribute, writing, “So sad to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh. We were lucky enough to have him appear in ‘Little Britain’. He was sweet and smart and humble and, of course, brilliantly funny.”

So sad to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh. We were lucky enough to have him appear in ‘Little Britain’. He was sweet and smart and humble and, of course, brilliantly funny.

— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) February 21, 2024

Born on December 25, 1973, in Merionethshire, Wales, MacIntosh studied linguistics at the University of Edinburgh, where he was actively involved in the Edinburgh University Theatre Company and The Improverts.

His big break came in 2001 when he was cast as Keith Bishop in The Office U.K. With his deadpan delivery and hilarious disinterest in anything work-related (he wanted to be a DJ), Keith became an instant favorite with viewers. He was part of several iconic scenes, including the appraisal, where he answers “Don’t know” to all of David Brent’s (Gervais) questions.

RIP Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office.

Forever immortalised in this scene pic.twitter.com/LsOf8BEDI8

— Far Out Magazine (@FarOutMag) February 21, 2024

In addition to The Office, MacIntosh appeared in the British comedy series Miranda, Lead Balloon, and Little Britain. He also had a cameo role in A Serbian Film alongside fellow Office star Mackenzie Crook and played Carl on the BBC radio sitcom Cabin Pressure.

More recently, he made a cameo appearance in the third and final series of Gervais’ Netflix series After Life.

Check out more tributes to MacIntosh below.

No one in the history of TV could ever make eating a scotch egg an iconic moment in Comedy History.

Ewan Macintosh, you were one of a kind. pic.twitter.com/9VeyulLrok

— Thomas Mitchells (@IAmTomMitchells) February 21, 2024

RIP Ewen MacIntosh
Absolute comic genius as Keith in the Office #RIP pic.twitter.com/66neweySmu

— Adam Lloyd (@Ads900) February 21, 2024

#RIP Ewen MacIntosh, forever immortalised as Big Keith in The Office. pic.twitter.com/jetqW2SHAw

— Ste (@McLarenSte) February 21, 2024

Thinking of Ewen Macintosh today, who I’m reading has sadly left us. A familiar and hilarious member of the Edinburgh sketch scene when we all started, and went on to create one of the most iconic scene stealers in tv comedy history. An absolute pleasure of a guy.

— rufus jones (@rufusjones1) February 21, 2024

V sad news about Ewen MacIntosh, The Office is unparalleled ofc & he starred in one of the first shorts I ever wrote which as a tiny lil writer grub was a huge deal. Such a funny sweet guy, rest in peace lovely man pic.twitter.com/BoyjGylkY6

— ⚡️SIÂN DOCKSEY⚡️ (@siandocksey) February 21, 2024

“Under weaknesses, you’ve put eczema.”

What a character. Such incredibly sad news that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away.
Big Keith was iconic. pic.twitter.com/3yY4JycuEf

— Shar A (@Shar_A_) February 21, 2024

Heartbroken to hear a very special friend @ewenmacintosh has passed away. He was such an incredibly kind and funny person. Eternally loved. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/E4liMyJUhw

— Gina Lyons (@GinaLyons) February 21, 2024

Gosh, so sad to hear about @ewenmacintosh One of the good guys ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2UgFCBr3Sx

— Katherine Jakeways (@katherinejake) February 21, 2024