The Office Keith star's health battles from worrying hospital post to care home

21 February 2024 , 10:19

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Ewen MacIntosh has died at the age of 50 (Image: Getty Images)

Ewen MacIntosh, best known for portraying The Office's Keith, struggled with some hard times in life.

The actor's management company today announced the star has sadly died at the age of 50, adding that the 'comedy genius' had a "peaceful passing". They revealed that he had spent his final days in a care home in Darlington.

Before taking on the iconic role of Keith in the British sitcom, Ewen was working in marketing research but he quickly became a fan-favourite. Despite only having limited screen time, his appearance kickstarted his career, with him going on to have roles in Little Britain, Eastenders, and The Lobster.

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Ewen shared a selfie from hospital in 2022 (@ewenmacIntosh/Twitter)

The Office Keith star's health battles from worrying hospital post to care home

The actor starred in several shows and films (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

MacIntosh, also a comedian who performed various shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, reprised his iconic role in the 2016 David Brent movie and appeared in Netflix's After Life, as the Buffet man, alongside creator and friend Ricky Gervais. He lived a very private life, however he opened up about his health in February 2022.

The actor left fans concerned after he was admitted to hospital. He took to Twitter to share a selfie of himself looking downcast from the hospital bed, hooked up to an IV. "Bad times for me I'm afraid chums.

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"Stay strong out there," he wrote to his 17,500 followers alongside a thumbs-up emoji. Well-wishes flooded in, including from talkSPORT's Max Rushden, who sent: "Sending you all the best mate x."

He hadn't been active on X (formely Twitter) since soon after, in April 2022. And sharing that he spent time in a care home, his management said: "His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home."

On its website, the care home describes itself as: "Purpose-built offering spacious accommodation with beautifully decorated rooms in homely surroundings with relaxing gardens," that "aims to ensure that our residents enjoy a happy, comfortable and safe environment where independence and personal needs are always considered by compassionate and highly trained staff."

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Ewen previously looked back on his role in The Office 20 years on during an interview with Vice, explaining how "proud" he is to have played a part in it. "It's made me money, so I can't really complain," he said, before revealing he was popular on Cameo.

"I'm very proud I was in it. I think it holds up well, and long may it continue. I do these video messages [on Cameo] now, which are great fun. People always want a message from Keith, never from me.

"He's still getting me work, which is quite amazing when you think about it. When the lockdowns started, I was doing about 30 a week. Now it's down to maybe ten or 20."

The actor's management's company, JustRight Management, announced the sad news in a statement on Wednesday morning, which read: "With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.

"There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year." Ewen's friend Ed Scott 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." 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."