Richard Riehle, Character Actor in 'Office Space' and 'Glory,' Dies at 78

Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor in television and film, has died at the age of 78. Riehle, who often portrayed authority figures but was also adept at comedy, was notably remembered for his role as Tom Smykowski, a downtrodden product manager, in the 1999 cult classic film "Office Space."

Wright Entertainment Inc. announced his death on Monday, stating he passed away on Oct. 15. No cause or specific details were immediately disclosed.

Riehle's career spanned nearly five decades and included a wide range of memorable roles. He appeared as a quartermaster in the Civil War drama "Glory," a prison guard in "The Fugitive," and an air marshal in "Executive Decision." Television audiences saw him as a police officer in a guest appearance on "The West Wing" and as a principal on the TV adaptation of "Ferris Bueller's Day Off."

The AV Club once described Riehle as a go-to actor for casting directors seeking a "burly, blustery, mustachioed man."

Riehle's path to acting began during his senior year at the University of Notre Dame. Facing financial constraints that would have prevented him from staying for an additional year, he discovered that a single semester of speech and drama courses would fulfill his remaining credit requirements. He enrolled and subsequently found a passion for theater, leading him to pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree at the University of Minnesota.

His early film work included a role in the 1977 movie "Joyride," alongside Desi Arnaz Jr. and Melanie Griffith. He went on to appear in films such as the broad comedy "Bridesmaids," Woody Allen's "Shadows and Fog," "Black Rain" with Michael Douglas, and the sitcom "Grounded For Life."

Fans of the "Star Trek" franchise also recognized Riehle, who secured roles in three different series: "Star Trek: The Next Generation" in 1992, "Star Trek: Voyager" in 2000, and "Star Trek: Enterprise" in 2004.

On Broadway, Riehle appeared in three productions, including a 1999 revival of "The Iceman Cometh" with Paul Giamatti.

In "Office Space," Riehle played Tom Smykowski, an employee facing potential layoffs despite his assertion that he possesses "people skills."

Wright Entertainment remembered Riehle not only for his significant talent but also for his "genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity," particularly his support and encouragement of emerging actors and filmmakers.