British actor and comedian Ewen MacIntosh, best known for playing "Big Keith" in The Office UK, has died aged 50.
As reported by the BBC, MacIntosh's cause of death has not been confirmed but his friend, Ed Scott, said in a tribute message: "Thanks to the incredible care and love provided by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him when he brought a smile to their days."
He added: "He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember. Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man."
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
Fellow star of The Office UK Ricky Gervais was among several others posting tributes to the late actor online. "Extremely sad news," he said. "The very funny and very lovely Ewen MacIntosh, known to many as Big Keith from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP."
MacIntosh's character in The Office, which ran from 2001 to 2003, was known for being a particularly dull and despondent employee in an office full of them. Perhaps his most iconic scene saw him answer an employee self appraisal form, being asked for answers by Gervais's David Brent.
"To what extent do you believe that you have the skills and knowledge to perform your job effectively?," he asked. "Not at all, to some extent, very much so, don't know; what would you tick?"
After a long pause while he chews gum, Keith replies: "Don't know." More questions are asked, and though Keith asks for the options again, his response is always: "Don't know."
Image Credit: Ian West/PA Images via Getty Images
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.
source https://www.ign.com/articles/the-office-uk-star-ewen-macintosh-dies-aged-50