We share the sad news that this beloved cult actor

We share the sad news that this beloved cult actor

Wright Entertainment Inc. announced his death on Monday, October 19, confirming that he passed away on October 15. No cause of death was disclosed.



"Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man,” the company said in a statement. "Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity.”

Hollywood is mourning Richard Riehle, the veteran character actor best known for his role in the cult comedy *Office Space*, who has died at age 78.


Born on May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Riehle began acting during his final year at the University of Notre Dame. Struggling financially and considering dropping out, he took a speech and drama class to earn enough credits to finish the semester—a decision that changed his future. He went on to earn an MFA from the University of Minnesota after the school offered him a teaching assistantship.



Riehle made his film debut with a speaking role in the 1977 film *Joyride*, launching a long career as one of Hollywood’s dependable character actors. Though he often played authority figures such as police officers, principals, and corrections officers, his greatest talent may have been comedy. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1999 comedy *Office Space*, where he played Tom Smykowski—a role that remains a highlight of the cult favorite.

His career extended far beyond that single role, with appearances in *Glory*, *The Fugitive*, *Executive Decision*, *Bridesmaids*, and the sitcom *Grounded for Life*. Sci-fi fans may also recognize him from three *Star Trek* series: *The Next Generation*, *Voyager*, and *Enterprise*. Riehle also performed on Broadway three times, including in a 1999 revival of *The Iceman Cometh* alongside Paul Giamatti.

Rest in peace, Richard Riehle. Our thoughts go to his loved ones.
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"Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man,” the company said in a statement. "Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity.”

Hollywood is mourning Richard Riehle, the veteran character actor best known for his role in the cult comedy *Office Space*, who has died at age 78.


Born on May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Riehle began acting during his final year at the University of Notre Dame. Struggling financially and considering dropping out, he took a speech and drama class to earn enough credits to finish the semester—a decision that changed his future. He went on to earn an MFA from the University of Minnesota after the school offered him a teaching assistantship.



Riehle made his film debut with a speaking role in the 1977 film *Joyride*, launching a long career as one of Hollywood’s dependable character actors. Though he often played authority figures such as police officers, principals, and corrections officers, his greatest talent may have been comedy. One of his most memorable performances came in the 1999 comedy *Office Space*, where he played Tom Smykowski—a role that remains a highlight of the cult favorite.

His career extended far beyond that single role, with appearances in *Glory*, *The Fugitive*, *Executive Decision*, *Bridesmaids*, and the sitcom *Grounded for Life*. Sci-fi fans may also recognize him from three *Star Trek* series: *The Next Generation*, *Voyager*, and *Enterprise*. Riehle also performed on Broadway three times, including in a 1999 revival of *The Iceman Cometh* alongside Paul Giamatti.

Rest in peace, Richard Riehle. Our thoughts go to his loved ones.
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