Entertainment · October 19, 2026
'Office Space' Star Richard Riehle Dead at 78
Prolific character actor Richard Riehle, best known for his role as Tom Smykowski in the cult comedy 'Office Space,' has died at the age of 78. His representatives and various news outlets confirmed he passed away in Los Angeles on October 15, 2026. With over 400 credits across five decades, Riehle was a ubiquitous presence in film and television, appearing in major titles such as 'Glory,' 'The Fugitive,' 'Casino,' 'Bridesmaids,' and the 'Star Trek' franchise. He is remembered by colleagues and industry peers as a consummate professional and a generous mentor to emerging talent.
Read the original coverage
- Fox NewsMainstream
'Office Space' star Richard Riehle dead at 78
Read at Fox News ↗ - NBC NewsMainstream
Richard Riehle, character actor best known for ‘Office Space,’ dies at 78
Read at NBC News ↗ - New York PostTabloid
‘Office Space’ star Richard Riehle dead at 78
Read at New York Post ↗ - TMZTabloid
'Office Space' Star Richard Riehle Dead at 78
Read at TMZ ↗ - VarietyTrade
Richard Riehle, Character Actor in ‘Office Space,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and More, Dies at 78
Read at Variety ↗ - Rolling StoneMainstream
Richard Riehle, Character Actor and 'Office Space' Scene-Stealer, Dead at 78
Read at Rolling Stone ↗ Richard Riehle, ‘Office Space’ Actor, Dies at 78
Read at The Hollywood Reporter ↗- DeadlineTrade
Richard Riehle Dead: 'Office Space' & 'Bridesmaids' Actor Was 78
Read at Deadline ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Richard Riehle died at the age of 78.
- He passed away in Los Angeles.
- He is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and four children.
- He had over 400 acting credits across film and television.
- He was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and attended the University of Notre Dame.
- He is most widely recognized for his role in the 1999 film 'Office Space.'
- His career began in regional theater before moving to film and television.
Reported by only some outlets
- He died on Thursday, October 15 (New York Post, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter).
- His cause of death was natural causes (New York Post, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter).
- He made his screen debut in the 1975 film 'Rooster Cogburn' (New York Post, The Hollywood Reporter).
- He appeared on Broadway in 'Execution of Justice' and 'The Iceman Cometh' (The Hollywood Reporter).
- He had 10 upcoming projects in development at the time of his death (Fox News, Rolling Stone).
- His father died when he was 2 years old (The Hollywood Reporter).
- He earned an MFA from the University of Minnesota (New York Post).
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