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Richard Riehle, 'Office Space' Actor, Dies at 78
Confirmed
In Short: Character actor Richard Riehle, known for his role as Tom Smykowski in 'Office Space,' died of natural causes on October 15.
Richard Riehle, the character actor best known for his role as Tom Smykowski in the 1999 film 'Office Space,' died of natural causes on October 15, 2020, at the age of 78.
Born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1948, Riehle began his acting career by chance, starting with regional theater and his first screen role in the 1975 film 'Rooster Cogburn (And The Lady),' starring John Wayne and Katharine Hepburn.
Riehle's career spanned nearly five decades, with over 400 screen projects, including memorable roles in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation,' 'The Fugitive,' and 'Bridesmaids.'
In 'Office Space,' Riehle portrayed Tom Smykowski, a laid-off Initech employee who, after a hit-and-run crash, pursued his dream of creating the 'Jump to Conclusions' mat.
Riehle's portrayal of Tom Smykowski became iconic for its dramatic and ironic storyline, making the character a fan favorite.
Beyond his extensive filmography, Riehle was known for his kindness and generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers.
His management team, Wright Entertainment, confirmed his passing and praised his legacy, noting his immense talent and genuine goodness.
Riehle's friends and colleagues remembered him as a consummate professional and an actor's actor, with many expressing their sadness over his loss.
Riehle's career included roles in over 400 projects, with IMDb noting he had 10 additional upcoming projects.
His portrayal of Tom Smykowski in 'Office Space' became a cult favorite and a calling card for the actor.
Riehle's last known public appearance was in 2018, after filming the Lifetime holiday movie 'A Very Nutty Christmas' with Melissa Joan Hart.
What this adds
WarpBeat previously reported on Riehle's death in 2026, but the correct year of his passing was 2020.
Background
Actor Richard Riehle, best known for his role as Tom Smykowski in 'Office Space,' died of natural causes on October 15 at the age of 78.
Richard Riehle, a character actor known for his role as Tom Smykowski in the 1999 film 'Office Space,' died of natural causes in Los Angeles on October 15, 2020, at the age of 78.
Office Space is a 1999 American satirical black comedy film written and directed by Mike Judge. It satirizes the office work life of a typical 1990s software company, focusing on a handful of individuals weary of their jobs.
What's confirmed
- The actor’s friends reported to TMZ that he died of natural causes on October 15.
- “I think I was a dead body in two or three different places in there, but I can’t find myself.” He followed it with Joyride in 1977, playing a bartender (with speaking lines) opposite the children of many stars, including Desi Arnaz Jr., Anne Lockhart, Robert Carradine, and Melanie Griffith.
- Born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1948, Riehle started acting “totally by chance,” as he told The A.V.
- "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend. 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. 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," said his management team, Wright Entertainment, in a statement confirming his death.
- According to TMZ, Riehle died of natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 15.
What's still developing
- He spent his last semester “doing anything and everything that you do in the theater,” impressing his mentors who helped him land a teaching assistantship at the University of Minnesota, where he received his MFA.
- After those first two experiences, Riehle’s on-screen career took a decade-long break.
- “I was a glorified extra that got bumped up to being Richard Jordan’s stand-in for a while,” he remembered.
- Riehle had a long and successful career with roles in hundreds of films and television shows.
- The money allowed Tom to pursue his dreams, including developing his “Jump to Conclusions” mat, one of the film's best-known jokes.
- His other film credits included Of Mice and Men, in which he played ranch hand Carlson, and The Fugitive, where he portrayed a guard who allowed Harrison Ford's character to escape custody.
- Riehle also played Santa Claus in eight projects, including five films, two television shows and a television movie.
- He soon started popping up in parts in films like Black Rain, Glory, and The Fugitive, and TV series like Star Trek: The Next Generation ; he starred in " The Inner Light," which is considered to be one of the science fiction franchise's finest hours.
- As noted, one of Riehle’s most noteworthy roles was in Mike Judge’s Office Space, working as the “people person” intermediary between the customers and Initech’s employees.
- He had dozens of memorable roles in films like “Casino,” “Glory,” and “The Fugitive,” as well as TV shows like “Grounded for Life,” “The Middle,” and several “Star Trek” series.
- Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor whose bushy mustache and knack for portraying beleaguered middlemen made him a favorite of Hollywood casting directors for decades, has died, his representatives said Monday.
- Wright Entertainment Inc. said Monday that Riehle had died Oct. 15 but disclosed no cause or details.