Entertainment · October 19, 2026
Richard Riehle, Character Actor in ‘Office Space,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and More, Dies at 78
Prolific character actor Richard Riehle, known for his hundreds of roles across film and television, has died at the age of 78. He was widely recognized for his role as Tom Smykowski in the 1999 cult classic 'Office Space' and for his work in projects such as 'Glory,' 'The Fugitive,' 'Casino,' and several 'Star Trek' series. His representatives confirmed he passed away over the weekend, with some outlets specifying the date as October 15, 2026. Riehle's career spanned nearly five decades, beginning with stage acting at the University of Notre Dame and eventually totaling more than 400 screen credits.
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 ↗ - ABC NewsMainstream
Richard Riehle, actor in 'Glory' and 'Office Space,' dies
Read at ABC News ↗ - VarietyTrade
Richard Riehle, Character Actor in ‘Office Space,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and More, Dies at 78
Read at Variety ↗ - TMZTabloid
'Office Space' Star Richard Riehle Dead at 78
Read at TMZ ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Richard Riehle Dead: 'Office Space' & 'Bridesmaids' Actor Was 78
Read at Deadline ↗ - 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 ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Richard Riehle died at the age of 78.
- His career included more than 400 credits across theater, film, and television.
- He is best known for his role as Tom Smykowski in 'Office Space'.
- He appeared in 'Glory', 'The Fugitive', 'Casino', and multiple 'Star Trek' series.
- He attended the University of Notre Dame where he began his acting career.
- His representatives released a statement praising his talent, kindness, and mentorship of emerging filmmakers.
Reported by only some outlets
- Variety and The Hollywood Reporter cite the specific death date as October 15 in Los Angeles.
- Variety and The Hollywood Reporter cite 'natural causes' as the cause of death.
- The Hollywood Reporter notes he was one of seven children and his father died when he was 2.
- Fox News reports he is survived by his wife Jane Latham and four children.
- Rolling Stone mentions he has 10 upcoming projects listed on IMDb.
Confirmed
- Richard Riehle died at age 78.
- Death occurred mid-October 2026.
- Career spanned over 400 film and TV credits.
- Famous for 'Office Space' role as Tom Smykowski.
- Attended University of Notre Dame.
Reported
- Riehle died of natural causes. (Variety)
- Riehle died on Thursday, October 15. (TMZ via The Hollywood Reporter)
- He is survived by his wife Jane Latham and four children. (Fox News)
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