Hollywood is mourning the loss of a familiar face who brought countless characters to life on the big and small screens. Richard Riehle, the veteran actor best known for his role in the cult comedy Office Space, has died at age 78.
Wright Entertainment Inc. announced his death on Monday, October 19. They confirmed that the actor had passed away on October 15. No cause of death was disclosed in the announcement.
“Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man,” the company said in a statement, per AP. “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.”
Born on May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Riehle began his acting journey during his final year at the University of Notre Dame. At that point, he had no plan to pursue a career in acting.
He struggled financially and even considered dropping out. But because he needed more credits to finish the semester, he decided to take a speech and drama class.
It would drastically alter his future.
“I spent a semester doing anything and everything that you do in the theater — acting, directing, building sets, etc. — and then for some reason they liked what I did enough that they got me a teaching assistantship at the University of Minnesota,” he told the AV Club. “So I went on and got my MFA (Masters of Fine Arts). I figured, ‘What the heck? If they’re gonna pay me to do it, I’m gonna do it!.'”
Actor Richard Riehle dies at 78
In 1977, Riehle made his film debut with a speaking role in the 1977 film Joyride. It marked the start of a long career, and he became one of Hollywood’s dependable character actors.
Although he often played authority figures such as police officers, principals, or corrections officers, Riehle’s greatest talent may have been comedy.
One of his most memorable performances came in the 1999 comedy Office Space, where he played Tom Smykowski. The film has since become a cult favorite, with Rehle’s performance remaining one of its most memorable highlights.
However, the actor’s career extended far beyond that single role. Rehle appeared in many popular productions, including the Civil War drama Glory, The Fugitive, and Executive Decision.
Moreover, he also starred in the comedy Bridesmaids and the television sitcom Grounded for Life. Sci-fi fans may also recognize him from appearances in three Star Trek series: The Next Generation, Voyager, and Enterprise.
Besides acting on-screen, Riehle also performed on Broadway three times, including in a 1999 revival of The Iceman Cometh, starring alongside actor Paul Giamatti.
Rest in peace, Richard Riehle. Our thoughts go to his loved ones.
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