Last photo of Keith from The Office star Ewen MacIntosh taken just weeks on from his final After Life cameo
COMEDY legend Ewen MacIntosh was last seen in a heartbreaking post on social media before his death.
Tributes have poured in since news broke the star, 50, had peacefully passed away.
The Office icon last posted publicly on February 6, 2022 on X/Twitter.
Fans were concerned for the actor after he revealed he was in hospital and suffering though “bad times” amid his health battle.
At the time the star was sent several messages from well-wishers, with talkSPORT’s Max Rushden telling him: “Sending you all the best mate x.”
Actress Holli Dempsey, who also appeared in After Life, added: “Sending love and healing vibes to ya Ewen xx.”
A month before the announcement, After Life fans were thrilled to see MacIntosh make a cameo appearance in the show.
The actor, loved for his portrayal of Keith Bishop in The Office alongside funnyman Gervais, turned up briefly in the third episode.
His After Life character – simply listed as “Buffet Man” in the end credits – was left fuming after being banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
The character was a nice little nod to Keith, an accounts worker who enjoyed mundane office chats and Scotch eggs, and it sent fans into overdrive.
Taking to Twitter, one wrote: “OMG, KEITH FROM THE OFFICE SHOWS UP IN AFTER LIFE S3”.
A second added: “Keith from the Office in the trailer for Afterlife series 3…can it get any better!”
A third commented: “Good to see Keith from The Office making an appearance in season 3 of After Life”.
‘An absolute original’
It comes as the comedy icon’s management confirmed his tragic death in a statement this morning.
A spokesperson from JustRight Management wrote: “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.
“There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year.”
Tributes have flooded in for the star led by Ricky Gervais.
He wrote: “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.”
It comes as…
- Ricky Gervais shared an emotional tribute to his co-star
- Ewen had opened up about his health battles previously
- Devastated fans vow to have a Scotch egg in the actor’s honour
- A final photo of Ewen was taken just weeks on from his Afer Life cameo
His pal Ed Scott also shared a heartfelt tribute and wrote: “I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Mr Scott, the CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music, added: “Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man.
“Sending love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr, his brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.”
Fans of the Office have flooded social media with tributes to Ewen Maclntosh.
One fan wrote: “Very sad news today about the passing of Ewen MacIntosh.
“Will always be fondly remembered firstly as a great guy, but also as a key part of the greatest British sitcom of all time. An excellent legacy to leave. RIP”
While another said: “Ewen MacIntosh will forever be a legend.”
COMEDY ICON
During his time on popular sitcom The Office, Ewen’s portrayal of the deadpan accountant Keith became a hit for a string of comedy moments – including dressing as Ali G.
He also described his weakness on a staff appraisal as “eczema” and was famed for his iconic scotch egg scene.
The star remained, despite a number of staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper firm, until its last episode in 2003.
In an interview with Vice in 2021, the actor joked he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his character’s favourite food.
He said: “The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute.”
Meanwhile, on After Life, MacIntosh made fans chuckle throughout his portrayal of ‘Buffet Man’ – a man banned from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
He also appeared in an episode of Come Dine With Me in 2020.