Ewen MacIntosh rushed to hospital before devastating death aged 50

21 February 2024 , 10:07

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Ewen MacIntosh suffered poor health before his tragic death (Image: Getty Images)

Ewen MacIntosh, known as Keith from The Office, was rushed to hospital two years prior to his death.

The actor had told fans it was "bad times" for him before it was announced he'd tragically died aged 50. Ewen's death was announced by his management team, JustRight, who said he died "peacefully" after being treated at a care home in Littlehampton.

In an emotional statement, they said: "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."

Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, in February 2022, Ewen told his fans: "Bad times for me I'm afraid chums. Stay strong out there," as he shared a snap taken from a hospital bed. In the image, Ewen could be seen with what appears to be ECG stickers attached to his chest, suggesting that medical staff had been monitoring his heart.

Ewen was seen with what appears to be ECG monitoring tags on him while in hospital (@ewenmacIntosh/Twitter)

The actor has tragically died aged 50 (Getty Images)

Fans had instantly rushed to the replies section of his upload to send him their well wishes, with one writing: "Hold tight big dog. Sending vibes." Another wrote: "Hey @ewenmacintosh... you feeling better mate? Hope you are back to full health. Dan." "Wishing you a speedy recovery mate, hope you're ok," wrote a third.

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Meanwhile, another Ewan McIntosh reached out: "From one Ewan McIntosh to Ewen Macintosh... I wish you well. Anything you want or need?" Another concerned fan typed: "Hi Ewen - it's the real Derek here. I'm so sorry to hear that you're not well. Health problems can be very worrying and put a great strain on our mental health. (I was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease 2 years ago.) Do call me for a chat TJ has my no. God bless."

Ewen previously appeared in the 2022 series of After Life, much to the delight of his dedicated fans. "OMG, KEITH FROM THE OFFICE SHOWS UP IN AFTER LIFE S3," exclaimed one. While a second penned: "Good to see Keith from The Office making an appearance in season 3 of After Life."

The actor - whose character was known for his love of Scotch eggs - appeared in the first series of The Office in 2011, until its last episode just two years later. Since his death, tributes have poured in, with Ricky Gervais saying: "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."

Meanwhile, Ewen's pal Gina Lyons said: "Heartbroken to hear a very special friend @ewenmacintosh has passed away. He was such an incredibly kind and funny person. Eternally loved." The TV channel Gold, which often shows repeats of shows, said in an emotional statement: "We at GOLD are saddened to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has passed away at the age of 50. We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time."

Elsewhere, one fan penned: "Saddened to hear of the passing of @ewenmacintosh. Absolutely loved him in The Office. I think some of the funniest scenes of the series' were involving him!" A second added: "Sad to hear that Ewen MacIntosh has Passed away aged 50. Through Covid times He appeared from time to time with John O'Sullivan, Vaun Earl and the late Annabel Giles on a Facebook Live I watched. Rest In Peace Ewen and thanks for all the laughs."

Daniel Bird