Farewell Ewen, a great friend of this paper
THE world lost a giant last week when the death was announced of comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh – better known to the world as Keith Bishop from The Office.
Tributes poured in for the star, who passed away aged just 50.
JustRight Management confirmed Ewen’s death in a statement: “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.”
Ricky Gervais, who played David Brent in The Office, said on Twitter that it was “extremely sad news”.
Tributes
Sharing a picture of Ewen in the series, he went on: “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 also shared a picture of an award presented to The Office in 2002 for Comedy Moment of the Year. “This was for Keith’s appraisal scene,” he told his followers.
But what many forgot in their tributes was Ewen was also one of Sunday Sport’s top star columnists.
Sunday Sport editor Nick Appleyard said: “Ewen was an absolute pleasure to work with. His column was always on time and we all rushed to read his quirky take on life each week. He was a genuinely funny guy and will be muchmissed.”
Actor Rufus Jones wrote on Twitter: “Thinking of Ewen MacIntosh today, who 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.”
Fans flocked to social media to remember the actor, who played quirky Keith from 2001 to 2003.
One said the actor “effortlessly stole scenes as Keith”, as another posted: “Being a massive fan of The Office it’s sad to read Ewen MacIntosh has passed away. An absolute legend.”
“So many iconic moments in The Office. I only ever heard lovely things about him from people who worked with him,” wrote another.
Playing accountant Keith was Ewen’s big break, but his other TV credits include Little Britain and Miranda and he starred in radio sitcom Cabin Pressure.