Richard Riehle, the veteran character actor widely recognized for playing Tom Smykowski in the 1999 cult comedy Office Space, has died at 78.
According to TMZ, Riehle died of natural causes in Los Angeles last Thursday.
Over a wide-ranging career, Riehle appeared in more than 400 film and television projects.
Although Office Space remains his signature role, his extensive résumé included appearances in numerous acclaimed television series and memorable films.
Among his notable performances were the prison guard who helped Harrison Ford escape custody in 1993’s The Fugitive and Rob Schneider’s father in the 1999 comedy Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.
Riehle may not have often occupied the spotlight as a leading man, but he became one of Hollywood’s most familiar and prolific character actors.
Veteran character actor Richard Riehle has died at 78
Riehle was best known as Tom Smykowski in Office Space, but his career spanned countless iconic films and television shows
Arthouse film audiences may remember Riehle from Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin, Todd Solondz’s Palindromes and the cult stoner comedy Smiley Face, which starred Anna Faris.
He also made his mark in horror, appearing in the 2006 cult slasher Hatchet, Rob Zombie’s Halloween II and Texas Chainsaw 3D.
Riehle’s comedy credits included Joe Dirt, Bridesmaids, Pauly Shore’s Jury Duty and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.
His film work also extended to action titles such as Executive Decision with Kurt Russell, Mercury Rising with Bruce Willis and Lethal Weapon 4 with Mel Gibson.
On television, Riehle appeared in a broad range of series, including Murder, She Wrote, Roseanne, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ally McBeal, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, 7th Heaven, Two and a Half Men, Black-ish and Drunk History.
Tributes quickly spread across social media. One fan wrote, ‘That man was in everything without you realizing it.’
‘Richard Riehle is one of the most famous “that guy” actors who’s in everything,’ another person added.
A third fan recalled meeting him on a flight, writing, ‘Very nice guy, and was happy to talk to and take photos with anyone.’
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Riehle played Principal Ed Rooney in the Ferris Bueller television series
The prolific actor appeared in several well-known horror films, including the 2007 cult slasher Hatchet
Riehle also appeared in the 1993 family film Free Willy, which earned more than $150 million at the box office
Riehle is shown at the Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2019
Another wrote, ‘I thought he was a wonderful character actor, and always enjoyed his contributions to any film he was in.’
Our News Outlet has contacted Riehle’s reps for comment.
Riehle was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin in 1948.
He got his Master of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota and then started his acting career at the Meadow Brook Theatre before eventually making his way to Los Angeles.
According to IMDB, he married Jane Latham in 1970 and they had four children together.
In a 2012 interview, Riehle said that his breakout part in 1989’s war drama Glory was one of his most cherished roles.
‘It was the most touching screenplay I’d ever read,’ he told Notre Dame magazine.
‘I didn’t have many scenes with Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman… but to be a part of that cast was a highlight of my career.’
He also said that being an in demand character actor helped him to have longevity in Hollywood.
‘I was older when I really got started, and it did limit things,’ he said.
‘But a character actor, you come in to make a little diversion, be the comic relief or add a little bit of intensity to what’s going on. You’re also liable to have a longer career.’
