Ewen Macintosh Cause Of Death, Obituary: What Happened to The Office Big Keith Actor?
Ewen MacIntosh, the actor who played the deadpan Keith Bishop in the British comedy series The Office, has passed away at the age of 50. His management company confirmed his death on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, saying he died peacefully in a care home.
A Beloved Comedy Genius
MacIntosh was born in Scotland in 1974 and started his acting career in the late 1990s. He rose to fame in 2001 when he was cast as Keith, the bored and bland accountant in The Office, created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The mockumentary-style show followed the lives of the employees of a paper company in Slough, England, and became a huge hit, winning several awards and spawning international adaptations.
MacIntosh’s character, Keith, was known for his monotone voice, awkward silence, and hilarious one-liners. He often stole the scene with his dry humor and quirky habits, such as eating Scotch eggs, wearing a T-shirt that said “Fat Fighters”, and playing the keyboard. He also had a crush on the receptionist, Dawn, played by Lucy Davis.
Gervais, who played the boss David Brent in the show, paid tribute to MacIntosh on X, formerly Twitter, writing: “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.”
Davis also expressed her condolences, saying: “I am so sad to hear this. Ewen was such a gentle, funny soul. I will always remember the day we filmed the scene where he gave me the ‘Secret Santa’ present. He made me laugh so much. Sending love to his family and friends.”
Other co-stars and celebrities who worked with MacIntosh also shared their memories and messages of support, including Martin Freeman, Mackenzie Crook, Steve Carell, and James Corden.
All About Ewen MacIntosh
| Name | Ewen MacIntosh |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1974 |
| Place of birth | Scotland |
| Date of death | February 21, 2024 |
| Place of death | Willow Green Care Home |
| Cause of death | Unknown (suspected rare nervous system condition) |
| Spouse | Sophie MacIntosh |
| Children | Two |
| Famous Role | Keith Bishop in The Office |
| Other roles | Little Britain, Miranda, The IT Crowd, Shaun of the Dead, The Lobster, etc. |
| Other activities | Stand-up comedy, DJ, quiz master, podcast host, voice actor, etc. |
| Wikipedia | Ewen_MacIntosh |
| Homepage | newsunzip.com |
A Versatile and Talented Actor
Besides The Office, MacIntosh also appeared in other TV shows and films, such as Little Britain, Miranda, The IT Crowd, Shaun of the Dead, and The Lobster. He also did voice work for animated series and video games, such as Bob the Builder, Wallace & Gromit, and Lego Star Wars.
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
MacIntosh was also a stand-up comedian, a DJ, and a quiz master. He performed at various comedy clubs and festivals and hosted trivia nights and events. He also had a podcast called The Keith Cheggers Podcast, where he interviewed celebrities and comedians.
MacIntosh was married to Sophie MacIntosh, a writer and producer, and they had two children. He was also a passionate supporter of the Scottish football team Celtic, and often tweeted about their matches.
A Mysterious and Tragic Death
The cause of MacIntosh’s death has not been revealed yet, but it is known that he had been struggling with health issues for the last two years. In February 2022, he posted a picture of himself in a hospital bed, saying: “Bad times for me I’m afraid chums.”
According to his friend and fellow comedian Ed Scott, MacIntosh had been suffering from a rare and incurable condition that affected his nervous system and caused him to lose mobility and speech. He said that MacIntosh had been receiving care and support from a care home called Willow Green, where he spent his final days.
Scott also said that MacIntosh was “so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a good man.” He thanked the staff at Willow Green for their compassion and professionalism and said that he would miss his friend dearly.
MacIntosh’s family has requested privacy and respect during this difficult time. They have also announced that there will be a private cremation for family and close friends soon, and a celebratory memorial later in the year.
A Lasting Legacy and Influence
Ewen MacIntosh will be remembered as one of the most beloved and influential comedy actors of his generation. His portrayal of Keith in The Office has become a cult classic and has inspired many fans and comedians around the world. His humor, talent, and personality have touched the hearts of millions, and he will be greatly missed.
