Actor Richard Riehle, known for his work in Office Space, Bridesmaids, Casino, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, and The Man From Earth, has died at 78. The news was confirmed by his representatives in a statement to Deadline.
Riehle is especially remembered for playing Tom Smykowski, a cynical product manager at Initech, in Mike Judge's satirical comedy Office Space (1999), where he starred alongside Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston, Stephen Root, and Gary Cole.
According to the statement from his representatives, Riehle passed away this past weekend. "We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this weekend," they noted in the statement sent to Deadline.
A career spanning nearly five decades
The statement from his representatives describes Riehle as "an extraordinary actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and over 400 projects." The text adds that "beyond his enormous talent, he will be remembered for his genuine kindness, his boundless generosity, and his unwavering support, especially toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and backed at every opportunity."
"Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man. We ask that his family's privacy be respected during this difficult time," the statement concludes.
From Rooster Cogburn to Barry: an extensive filmography
Richard Riehle was born on May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. His first film role came in 1975, in the John Wayne western Rooster Cogburn.
Throughout his career, he participated in numerous film productions, including Joyride (1977), Black Rain (1989), Of Mice and Men (1992), Free Willy (1993), The Fugitive (1993), Lightning Jack (1994), Casino (1995), Ghosts of Mississippi (1996), The Odd Couple II (1998), Lethal Weapon 4 (1998), Office Space (1999), Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo (1999), Joe Dirt (2001), Beethoven's 5th (2003), Wedding Crashers (2005), National Lampoon's Dorm Daze 2 (2006), Red (2008), Halloween II (2009), Bridesmaids (2011), A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas (2011), Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013), and Lovesick (2014). His final film credit was in 2026, in The Cowboy Killer.
In television, Riehle debuted with the film The Other Side of Hell and subsequently appeared in series such as My Two Dads, Dragnet, and Falcon Crest, all in 1989.
Dozens of appearances in iconic series
The list of series in which Riehle participated is extensive and includes titles such as Quantum Leap, Murder, She Wrote, L.A. Law, Ferris Bueller, The Golden Girls, Roseanne, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ally McBeal, The Practice, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Chicago Hope, Home Improvement, Columbo, Star Trek: Voyager, Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, The West Wing, ER, Grounded for Life, The Laramie Project, Married to the Kellys, Star Trek: Enterprise, Boston Legal, George Lopez, 7th Heaven, The Young and the Restless, Psych, Better Off Ted, The Client List, The Mindy Project, The Legend of Korra, Mom, Two and a Half Men, Black-ish, NCIS, The Middle, and Another Period.
Among his most recent television credits are American Housewife (2019) and Fuller House (2020). His final role was as Warden Reynolds in the HBO series Barry, in 2023.
Frequently asked questions about Richard Riehle
What did Richard Riehle die of?
The statement from his representatives to Deadline did not detail the cause of death. It was only confirmed that the actor passed away the weekend before the announcement, on October 19, 2026.
What role did Richard Riehle play in Office Space?
Richard Riehle played Tom Smykowski, a cynical product manager at the company Initech, in the Mike Judge comedy released in 1999.
What other well-known films did Richard Riehle participate in?
In addition to Office Space, Riehle appeared in Bridesmaids, Casino, Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo, The Fugitive, Wedding Crashers, and The Man From Earth, among many other productions.
What was Richard Riehle’s last television role?
His last television appearance was as Warden Reynolds in the HBO series Barry, in 2023.
What was Richard Riehle’s last film work?
His final film credit was in 2026, in the movie The Cowboy Killer.
