Richard Riehle, 'Office Space' and 'Star Trek' Character Actor, Dies at 78
Richard Riehle, the character actor best known for playing Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy 'Office Space,' has died at age 78. He passed away on October 15 in Los Angeles from natural causes. Riehle’s career spanned nearly five decades and included over 400 credits across film and television, with notable roles in 'Bridesmaids,' 'The Fugitive,' and multiple 'Star Trek' series. His representatives described him as a generous mentor to emerging talent.
Key points
- Richard Riehle died on October 15 in Los Angeles at age 78 from natural causes, according to TMZ and his representatives.
- He is best known for his role as Tom Smykowski, a cynical product manager, in Mike Judge’s 1999 satirical comedy 'Office Space.'
- Riehle’s career included over 400 credits, with notable film roles in 'Glory,' 'The Fugitive,' 'Bridesmaids,' and 'Casino.'
- He appeared in three 'Star Trek' series: 'The Next Generation,' 'Voyager,' and 'Enterprise,' as well as the TV adaptation of 'Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.'
- His last film credits were in 2026, including 'The Cowboy Killer' and 'Boris Is Dead,' while his final TV role was as Warden Reynolds in HBO’s 'Barry' (2023).
Background
Riehle was born on May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He began his acting career in 1975 with a role in the John Wayne western 'Rooster Cogburn.' He attended the University of Notre Dame and later earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota. Our archive notes he was survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and four children. The October 5 archive article on Manhattan office leasing is unrelated to this story.
How outlets are covering it
Deadline and ABC News emphasized Riehle’s versatility, noting he often played authority figures but excelled in comedy. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel highlighted his local Wisconsin roots and detailed his 'Office Space' character’s memorable lines. TMZ reported he died of natural causes in Los Angeles, a detail confirmed by the Journal Sentinel but not explicitly stated in Deadline or ABC News. All sources agreed on his age, date of death, and his iconic role in 'Office Space.'
Why it matters
Riehle’s death marks the end of a prolific career that spanned nearly 50 years. His ability to play both comedic and serious roles made him a staple in Hollywood, and his mentorship of emerging actors left a lasting impact on the industry. His passing is a significant loss for fans of classic comedies and long-running TV series.
What to watch
No immediate follow-up is expected, as this is an obituary. Tributes and remembrances from colleagues and fans may continue in the coming days. His estate has requested privacy for his family during this time.
- Richard Riehle Dies: ‘Office Space’ & ‘Bridesmaids’ Actor Was 78 Deadline
- 'Office Space' Star Richard Riehle Dead at 78 TMZ
- Richard Riehle, actor best known for 'Office Space,' 'Star Trek,' dies at 78 ABC7 Los Angeles
- Richard Riehle, dependable TV and film character actor who was in 'Glory' and 'Office Space,' dies ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
- 'Office Space' actor, Menomonee Falls native Richard Riehle dies at 78 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on Deadline