The Office become an instant comedy classic when the series debuted on BBC2 in 2001.
The mockumentary followed staff at fictional paper company Wernham Hogg in Slough and made household names of creators Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant and stars including Martin Freeman.
It also spawned a smash-hit American version – catapulting Steve Carrell and John Krasinski to fame.
But after two series and a Christmas special the show came to a close with it’s stars going on to appear in Marvel movies and Pirates of The Caribbean.
With the sad news that one of the show’s stars Ewen MacIntosh has passed away, MailOnline takes a look at where the original UK stars of the work place comedy are now….
Iconic: The Office become an instant comedy classic when the series debuted on BBC2 in 2001
Here MailOnline takes a look at where the original UK stars of the work place comedy are now..
Ewen MacIntosh (Keith Bishop)
Ewen became a fan-favourite as Keith the straight talking office employee who left viewers in stitches.
The actor died aged 50, with his passing confirmed on February 21, 2024 by JustRight Management.
The company posted on their X account: ‘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 poured in for the TV star, with Ed Scott writing: ‘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.’
Cracking up: Ewen became a fan-favourite as Keith the straight talking office employee who left viewers in stitches
Difficulties: Despite only limited screen time his memorable performance led to roles in EastEnders, Little Britain and The Lobster opposite Olivia Colman and Colin Farrell – before declaring bankrupcty in 2016
The actor died aged 50, with his passing confirmed on February 21, 2024 by JustRight Management
Tributes poured in for the TV star, with Ed Scott writing: ‘I am completely devastated by the loss of my very good friend Ewen MacIntosh’
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.
Despite only limited screen time his memorable performance led to roles in EastEnders, Little Britain and The Lobster opposite Olivia Colman and Colin Farrell.
He also reprised the character in the 2016 David Brent movie and starred in Ricky’s Netflix series After Life.
However he also hit on hard times and in 2016 was forced to declare bankruptcy.
Ricky Gervais (David Brent)
Ricky, 62, created the show alongside Stephen Merchant and the pair also co-directed the series.
The funnyman played the role of the world’s most cringeworthy David Brent who is best known for his bizarre motivational speeches and awful dancing – a character her revived for a 2016 film.
After ending the series on a high the pals went on to create and star in series Extra, where Ricky played a supporting artist and Stephen his hapless agent. And despite it’s huge success they again only decided to make two series.
They then joined forced to create a vehicle for Warwick Davis with Life’s Too Short which lasted for one season.
Since then Ricky has branched out by himself and has become one of the world’s most famous and successful comedians.
After a stint in films including The Invention of Lying and Night At The Museum franchise, he created Netflix sitcom After Life, winning numerous awards for his acting and writing.
He has hosted the Golden Globes five times and numerous comedy specials and is believed to be worth a whopping £100M.
Then and now: Ricky, 62, created the show alongside Stephen Merchant and the pair also co-directed the series
Movie star: After a stint in films including The Invention of Lying (pictured with co-star Jennifer Garner) and Night At The Museum franchise, he created Netflix sitcom After Life, winning numerous awards for his acting and writing
Dance moves: The funnyman played the role of the world’s most cringeworthy David Brent who is best known for his bizarre motivational speeches and awful dancing – a character her revived for a 2016 film
Wow: He has hosted the Golden Globes five times and numerous comedy specials and is believed to be worth a whopping £100M
Stephen Merchant (Oggy)
Despite mostly working behind the screen as co-writer and co-director Stephen, 48, also played the brief role of Oggy the Oggmonster – a visitor to the office.
Since then he, alongside Ricky, developed travel show An Idiot Abroad starring their pal Karl Pilkington.
He has also ventured into stand-up with his hit show Hello Ladies and created BBC One comedy-drama The Outlaws which he also stars.
Not to be outdone by Ricky Stephen has also appeared in a string of big budget movies including Logan, Jojo Rabbit, as well as TV hits Modern Family and The Big Band Theory.
Cameo: Despite mostly working behind the screen as co-writer and co-director Stephen also played the brief role of Oggy the Oggmonster (R) – a visitor to the office
Talent: He has also ventured into stand-up with his hit show Hello Ladies and created BBC One comedy-drama The Outlaws which he also stars
Actor: Not to be outdone by Ricky Stephen has also appeared in a string of big budget movies including Logan, Jojo Rabbit (pictured) as well as TV hits Modern Family and The Big Band Theory
Martin Freeman (Tim Canterbury)
Martin, 51, played the role of lovable office worker Tim who eventually found love with co-worker Dawn (Lucy Davis) in the finale.
Since then he has become a true A-list actor and has starred in some of the biggest movies of recent times.
Following his appearance as Dr John Watson alongside Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock he was cast as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit movies, which gross a whopping £1B at the box office.
He then went on to play Everett K. Ross in Marvel movies Black Panther and it’s sequel Wakanda Forever which themsleves raked in an incredible £200M.
Office boy: Martin played the role of lovable office worker Tim who eventually found love with co-worker Dawn (Lucy Davis) in the finale
Delighted: Fans were delighted when the character found his happy ending
Detective: Following his appearance as Dr John Watson alongside Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock (pictured) he was cast as Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit movies, which gross a whopping £1B at the box office
Action hero: He then went on to play Everett K. Ross in Marvel movies Black Panther (pictured) it’s sequel Wakanda Forever which themsleves raked in an incredible £200M
Mackenzie Crook (Gareth Keenan)
Mackenzie, now 51, played the role of jobsworth and boss’ pet Gareth Keenan in the hysterical series.
He has since showcased his talent behind the scenes and secured a BAFTA nod for his own BBC comedy The Detectorist which ran from 2014 to 2022.
But an actor at heart appeared in £600M Pirates of The Caribbean franchise as no good seaman Ragetti.
He also popped up in Game Of Thrones’ third season as a Warg (a character with the ability to enter the minds of animals) before taking on the iconic tole of Worzel Gummidge in the 2019 remake.
Funnyman: Mackenzie, now 51, played the role of jobsworth and boss’ pet Gareth Keenan in the hysterical series
Ahoy! Mackenzie (L) appeared in £600M Pirates of The Caribbean franchise as no good seaman Ragetti (pictured with co-star Lee Arenberg)
Character: He also popped up in Game Of Thrones’ third season as a Warg (a character with the ability to enter the minds of animals) before taking on the iconic tole of Worzel Gummidge in the 2019 remake (pictured)
Lucy Davis (Dawn Tilsley)
Lucy made a name for herself as receptionist Dawn who pined for her co-worker Tim leaving fans begging for them to get together.
The daughter of comedian Jasper Carrot, 50, promptly left Blighty and headed off to work across the pond.
She has popped up with appearances in Wonder Woman, Ugly Betty, Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina and Brit zombie flick Shaun Of The Dead.
Lucy has since settled in LA and looks almost unrecognisable after taking up weightlifting following her battle with bulimia.
Actress: Lucy made a name for herself as receptionist Dawn who pined for her co-worker Tim leaving fans begging for them to get together
Witchy: She has popped up with appearances in Wonder Woman, Ugly Betty, Netflix’s The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (pictured) and Brit zombie flick Shaun Of The Dead
Wow: Lucy has since settled in LA and looks almost unrecognisable after taking up weightlifting following her battle with bulimia (pictured in 2021)
Tribute: Lucy took to social media to share her own tribute to the show
Ralph Ineson (Chris Finch)
Ralph starred as the show’s main baddie, slimy travelling businessman Chris Finch who was also known as Finchy.
The actor, 53, was later cast as an equally horrible character as one of Lord Voldemort’s Death Eaters, Amycus Carrow, in the final three Harry Potter movies.
Despite appearances in Game Of Thrones, critically acclaimed horror The Witch and Corrie, Ralph revealed he was fed up of being type cast after making a name for himself in the BBC sitcom.
Telling The Daily Mail in 2021: ‘To say I’m tired of every part I’ve played for the last 20 years being cross-referenced with Finchy would be an understatement’.
Slime ball: Ralph starred as the show’s main baddie, slimy travelling businessman Chris Finch who was also known as Finchy
Gutted: Despite appearances in Game Of Thrones, critically acclaimed horror The Witch (pictured) and Corrie, Ralph revealed he was fed up of being type cast after making a name for himself in the BBC sitcom
