The Office's Keith joined fan messaging site for Macmillan before tragic death
The Office's Ewen MacIntosh said personalised video messaging site, memmo, was a "godsend" for him because he could be as "deadpan" as he liked, while raising money for charity.
The much-loved Big Keith star, who has sadly died aged, 50, was a huge hit with fans after his debut in the first series of The Office, written by Ricky Gervais, in 2011, until its last episode just two years later.
After the show ended, Ewen signed up to become become a "socially distanced Santa Claus" during lockdown, sending seasonal messages in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Speaking about how much he enjoyed the gig, he said: "‘The Christmas party might be gone but sending out the messages has been a great way to adapt.
Ewen MacIntosh was a fan favourite in The Office as Big Keith (BBC)"It’s been a godsend for me because I’ve been very popular doing messages as Keith. It’s nice because I be as rude and dead-pan as I want and people like that. The format really seems to work for the Keith character and I really enjoy doing the messages, they seem to make people’s day," reports The Metro.
Accounts worker Keith Bishop, remembered for his dead-pan lines, Scotch egg habit and Ali G outfit, was still much in demand by the charity’s supporters in years after The Office ended. All proceeds from Ewen's Christmas messages went to Macmillan, which provides specialist healthcare and support to millions of people affected by cancer.
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As well as finding fame in The Office, which also has a US version, starring Steve Carell, Ewen appeared in EastEnders, Little Britain, Miranda and Finding Fatimah. However, the actor said a real-life Keith wouldn't be anywhere near as productive looking for work as he was was during lockdown, joking: "He would hope to be furloughed,’ Ewen quipped. Otherwise he’d be a bit stuck in his mum’s basement watching Peak Practice most of the time."
Two years after the interview, Ewen's health began to fail as he told his fans on X, formerly Twitter, in February 2022: "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.
The star's death was announced today (Monday 21 February) by his management team, JustRight, who said the actor 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."
Following the announcement Ricky Gervais paid tribute to the actor, posting: ""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."
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