The British actor Ewen Macintosh, who was famous for his role in the comedy series The Office, passed away at the age of 50, according to his representatives.

Just Right Management said in a statement sent to CNN on Wednesday, "With a heavy heart I can confirm the very sad news of the passing of our client Ewen. Ewen was a wonderful actor and an even better human being. He made people laugh and had a kind heart, he touched the lives of everyone he connected with."

Ewen had been suffering from ill health over the past two years and passed away peacefully on February 19 for undisclosed reasons. His family feels comforted and greatly appreciates all the outpouring of love for Ewen but would appreciate the privacy to mourn at this very difficult time.

The company added, "We will miss Ewen very much," "Rest in peace."

Ewen was well known for playing "Big Keith", the stern accountant in the classic British comedy series The Office, which ran for three seasons between 2001 and 2003, and which was launched by comedian Ricky Gervais, who led Ewen into acting.

Gervais wrote in a post on X, "Very sad news. The funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has died, rest in peace."

Steven Merchant, who co-wrote The Office and co-directed it, also described Macintosh as "a beautiful man and uniquely funny."

He wrote in a post on X, "It was so funny when we asked him to improve a voicemail message, we wrote more dialogue for him, and he stole every scene he was in. It is a one-off scene. Tragic loss. RIP."