Ewen MacIntosh, the actor and comedian who played the accountant and aspiring DJ “Big Keith” Bishop in the UK version of The Office, has died at the age of 50. The news was announced by his management company, Just Right Management, on X on Wednesday. No cause of death has been confirmed, but MacIntosh had suffered ill health for the past two years.
MacIntosh’s Career and Legacy
MacIntosh was a versatile and original performer who appeared in other British comedies such as Miranda, Little Britain, Finding Fatimah and After Life. He was known for his delivery and timing, as well as his ability to improvise and steal scenes from other actors. His character, Keith Bishop, was a scotch egg-loving accountant who had a monotone answerphone message and would have rather had a career as a DJ. He will be remembered for scenes such as when he dressed up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.
Tributes from Fellow Comedians and Fans
The show’s creator Ricky Gervais led the tributes on X/Twitter, describing MacIntosh as “an absolute original” and “a wonderful actor and an even better human being”. Stephen Merchant, the co-writer and co-director of The Office, told the BBC Radio 4’s PM that MacIntosh was so funny the team “started writing more and more scenes with him in and eventually he became our beloved characters”. Actor Miranda Hart paid tribute to MacIntosh and said she was glad they got to do a scene together on her BBC comedy show Miranda. Comedian and TV presenter Matt Lucas said he was “so sad” to hear of MacIntosh’s death.
Conclusion
Ewen MacIntosh was a comedy genius who brought joy and laughter to many people with his unique personality and talent. MacIntosh, the actor and comedian who played the accountant and aspiring DJ “Big Keith” Bishop in the UK version of The Office, has died at the age of 50.
The news was announced by his management company, Just Right Management, on X on Wednesday. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, colleagues and fans. A private cremation for family and close friends will soon take place, followed by a celebratory memorial later in the year.