The death has been announced of the actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as accountant Keith Bishop in the classic BBC comedy series The Office. He was 50 and had been ill for two years.
In a statement, MacIntosh's representatives Just Right Management said: "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."
Chelle Just from Just Right Management said MacIntosh had "suffered from ill health for the past two years".
She said in a statement: "Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and possessed such a kind heart. He touched the lives of all who came into contact with him.
"Ewen suffered from ill health these past two years and passed peacefully on the 19th February from undisclosed causes.
"His family are heartened by and deeply appreciate all the outpouring of love for Ewen but would appreciate the privacy for them to grieve at this very difficult time.
"Ewen will be so very dearly missed. Godspeed Ewen."
Among MacIntosh's other credits were the series Little Britain, Life's Too Short and Afterlife and the film The Lobster.
The Office co-creator and star Ricky Gervais was among those paying tribute to MacIntosh on X, formerly Twitter, saying he was "very funny and very lovely" and "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. pic.twitter.com/Hhd3zkRVMs
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) February 21, 2024
Comedy producer Gina Lyons said she was "heartbroken" to hear of MacIntosh's passing and remembered him as being an "incredibly kind and funny person".
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
Actor Rufus Jones said MacIntosh was "an absolute pleasure of a guy".
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
Take a look at some more tributes to the late comedy star below.
So sad to hear Ewan Macintosh has died. He was such a nice guy and very funny.
— 🌙 Magik 🌞 (@claire_sen) February 21, 2024
It's heartbreaking to hear of the passing of The Office star Ewan Macintosh who played Keith he was such a lovely man sending condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace Ewan Macintosh 😥😥😥😥 #TheOffice #EwanMacintosh pic.twitter.com/BHg4kAAjmK
— Lee Hood (@Mofoman360) February 21, 2024
RIP Ewan MacIntosh 💔
— Dan C 🏴 (@DCopey98) February 21, 2024
Thank you for giving us one of the greatest scenes in comedy history
pic.twitter.com/QBGC5SPXFa
