New information has emerged about the death of Richard Riehle, the veteran actor best known for his role in Office Space, who died earlier this month at 78.
A death certificate obtained by TMZ states that Riehle died from a stroke. The document also identifies oropharyngeal cancer, a form of head and neck cancer, as an underlying cause of death.
The certificate also records that Riehle was cremated on October 23.
Friends previously told TMZ that the actor died of natural causes on October 15 in Los Angeles.
Over a career spanning decades, Riehle appeared in more than 400 film and television projects.
Although audiences most widely recognize him as Tom Smykowski in Office Space, his extensive credits included beloved television series and acclaimed films across multiple genres.
Richard Riehle’s death certificate lists a stroke as the cause of death, with oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, identified as an underlying condition
Riehle’s signature role was Tom Smykowski in Office Space; Source: IMDb
Among his memorable performances, Riehle played the guard who helped Harrison Ford escape custody in 1993’s The Fugitive and portrayed Rob Schneider’s father in the 1999 comedy Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.
He may not have often occupied the spotlight as a leading man, but Riehle became one of Hollywood’s most dependable and prolific character actors.
Arthouse film audiences may recall his appearances in Gregg Araki’s Mysterious Skin, Todd Solondz’s Palindromes, and the cult comedy Smiley Face, which starred Anna Faris.
Riehle also made his mark in horror, appearing in the 2006 cult slasher Hatchet, Rob Zombie’s Halloween II, and Texas Chainsaw 3D.
His comedy credits were equally wide-ranging, including Joe Dirt, Bridesmaids, Pauly Shore’s Jury Duty, and Pee-wee’s Big Holiday.
He appeared in action films as well, among them Executive Decision with Kurt Russell, Mercury Rising with Bruce Willis, and Lethal Weapon 4 with Mel Gibson.
His television résumé was just as extensive, featuring roles in 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.
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When contacted previously for comment, Riehle’s agency, Wright Entertainment, said, “We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend.
Richard Riehle built a career spanning more than 400 film, television, and theater projects
“A remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, Richard leaves behind an extraordinary legacy,” the agency continued.
“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.”
The statement concluded, “Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man. We ask that his family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.”
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.
Riehle played Initech employee Smykowski who is laid off from the company but invents the Jumping to Conclusions mat after receiving a settlement from an accident
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.’
