The comedian played the oddball character in the UK version of the classic sitcom starring Ricky Gervais.

Ewen’s portrayal of the deadpan accountant became a hit for a string of comedy moments – including dressing as Ali G.

He also described his weakness on a staff appraisal as “eczema” and was famed for his iconic love of Scotch eggs.

In 2021, MacIntosh spoke to Vice about his character’s passion for scotch eggs.

“My first scene with Martin [Freeman], where I eat the scotch egg – we had trouble doing that for some reason. It took ages to get that done. I got through a lot of scotch eggs. I wasn’t told about it. The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute,” he said.

Tributes have flooded in for the star, led by his co-star Ricky Gervais.

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.”

Stephen Merchant, who co-wrote The Office with Gervais, said he was “so very sad” to hear of the death of MacIntosh, who he described as a “lovely and uniquely funny man”.

“I fondly recall we asked him to improvise an out-of-office message, and he was so hilarious we started writing more and more dialogue for him,” Merchant said in an Instagram tribute. “He soon stole every scene he was in. A total one-off. A tragic loss.”

Ewen’s management team wrote: “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.”

His pal 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.”

Away from the sitcom, Ewen struggled to get roles and went bankrupt in 2016.

He also opened up on his health battles – revealing in 2022 he had been admitted to hospital.

Ewen wrote at the time: “Bad times for me I’m afraid chums. Stay strong out there.”

The actor teamed up with Gervais again in the final series of After Life, where he played “Buffet Man” – a man barred from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.

He also had roles in Miranda and Little Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.