Ricky Gervais Pays Tribute to “The Office” U.K. Star Ewen MacIntosh Following Death at 50: ‘Funny and Very Lovely'

Phil Boucher
·2-min read
<p>bbc/youtube</p> Ewen Macintosh as Big Keith in

bbc/youtube

Ewen Macintosh as Big Keith in 'The Office' U.K.

Ricky Gervais has paid tribute to The Office U.K. star Ewen MacIntosh following his death at 50.

"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," Gervais, 62, posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) Wednesday.

The tribute followed an announcement of MacIntosh's death by his management company on their social media.

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"With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh," wrote Just Right Management.

"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."

Related: John Meyer, Musician and a Lover of Judy Garland, Dead at 86 (Exclusive)

<p>PA Images/Alamy</p> Ewen Macintosh with the cast of 'The Office' U.K.

PA Images/Alamy

Ewen Macintosh with the cast of 'The Office' U.K.

Macintosh starred in the original U.K. version of The Office from 2001 to 2003. In a tribute posted Wednesday, his friend Ed Scott described the actor as a man of "empathy, kindness, and integrity."

"I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend," he wrote on X. "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."

Related: Jennifer Hudson Wishes Her Late Brother Jason a 'Happy Heavenly Birthday'

<p>Yui Mok - PA Images/PA Images via Getty</p> Ewen Macintosh from 'The Office' U.K.

Yui Mok - PA Images/PA Images via Getty

Ewen Macintosh from 'The Office' U.K.

"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 continued.

"I saw first hand the empathy and incredible care they gave him was just so reassuring during the toughest of times and am forever grateful to them all. I will really miss you mate."

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