Ricky Gervais looked downcast as he was seen for the first time in Hampstead since the passing of Ewen MacIntosh, on Wednesday.
The actor and comedian, 62, led the heartfelt tributes to The Office star after his shock death was announced on Wednesday morning.
Ewen, who was best known as Scotch egg-loving accountant ‘Big Keith’ in Ricky’s hit BBC sitcom The Office, died aged 50 – his cause of death has not been revealed.
The Welsh actor, who also appeared in British comedies such as After Life, Miranda and Little Britain, had shared a photo of himself in hospital in February 2022 and told his fans that he was suffering ‘bad times’.
Ricky stepped outside for a brisk walk after hearing the heart-breaking news with his headphones in and music playing.
Ricky Gervais looked downcast as he was seen for the first time in Hampstead since the passing of Ewen MacIntosh, on Wednesday
The actor and comedian led the heartfelt tributes to The Office star after his shock death was announced on Wednesday morning (Ricky pictured with Ewen in The Office)
Ewen, who was best known as Scotch egg-loving accountant ‘Big Keith’ in Ricky’s hit BBC sitcom The Office, died aged 50 – his cause of death has not been revealed
The actor looked emotional as he was spotted out solo and tried to keep a low-profile with a grey baseball cap on.
Despite the enormous success of The Office, Ewen was declared bankrupt in 2016. Big acting roles were limited after this and he went on to find a new source of income, making special videos as Keith on websites such as Cameo during Covid.
His cause of death has not been confirmed but friends hailed the ’empathy and incredible care’ of medical staff and nurses.
Ewen, who is survived by his parents and brother, is not believed to have been married or had children.
Ricky, who starred as David Brent and created the sitcom, gave a heartfelt tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter.
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.’
Talent agency JustRight Management confirmed the star’s tragic death in a statement which 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.’
Ricky stepped outside for a brisk walk after hearing the heart-breaking news with his headphones in and music playing
The actor looked emotional as he was spotted out solo and tried to keep a low-profile with a grey baseball cap on
Ricky, who starred as David Brent and created the sitcom, gave a heartfelt tribute on X, formerly known as Twitter
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’
The Welsh actor, who also appeared in British comedies such as After Life, Miranda and Little Britain, had shared a photo of himself in hospital in February 2022 and told his fans that he was suffering ‘bad times’
Confirming the tragic news, 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.’
Matt Lucas also shared a gushing tribute, penning: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh. We were lucky enough to have him appear in ‘Little Britain’. He was sweet and smart and humble and, of course, brilliantly funny.’
Talk TV presenter Lizzie Cundy hailed Ewen as a ‘lovely man inside and out’ as she paid a heart-warming tribute.
She wrote: ‘I am devastated to hear my dear friend Ewen Macintosh has passed away. We were great mates and we danced together in Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas video. Such a lovely man inside and out.. Love and prayers to his family.’
Ewen appeared in The Office from its first series in 2001, playing the role of an accountant with a passion for Scotch eggs.
Confirming the tragic news, his friend Ed Scott wrote: ‘I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh.’
Matt Lucas also shared a gushing tribute, penning: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Ewen MacIntosh. We were lucky enough to have him appear in ‘Little Britain’. He was sweet and smart and humble and, of course, brilliantly funny’
Talk TV presenter Lizzie Cundy hailed Ewen as a ‘lovely man inside and out’ as she paid a heart-warming tribute
In an interview with Vice in 2021, Ewen joked that he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his signature food. ‘The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute,’ he revealed.
Despite a number of staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper firm, ‘Keith’ remained in the series until its last episode in 2003.
Out Of Office, The Office podcast, also said Ewen would ‘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.’
As well as The Office, Ewen also partnered back up with Gervais when he starred in the final series of After Life as ‘Buffet Man’ – a bloke who had been barred from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.
