Richard Riehle, prolific character actor, dies at 78
A death certificate indicates the "Office Space" star passed from a stroke with oropharyngeal cancer as an underlying cause.
Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor known for his role as Tom Smykowski in the cult classic film "Office Space," has died at the age of 78. A death certificate obtained by TMZ reveals Riehle passed away from a stroke, with oropharyngeal cancer, a type of head and neck cancer, listed as an underlying cause.
Riehle's cremation took place on October 23. Friends of the actor had previously told TMZ that he died of natural causes on October 15 in Los Angeles.
Throughout his extensive career, Riehle appeared in over 400 projects across film, television, and theater. Beyond "Office Space," his notable film roles include the guard who allowed Harrison Ford to escape in "The Fugitive," Rob Schneider's father in "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo," and roles in "The Fugitive," "Joe Dirt," and "Bridesmaids."
He also had memorable turns in horror films such as "Hatchet," Rob Zombie's "Halloween II," and "Texas Chainsaw 3D." Arthouse fans may recognize him from "Mysterious Skin," "Palindromes," and "Smiley Face."
Riehle's television work was equally vast, with appearances in "Murder, She Wrote," "Roseanne," "Star Trek: The Next Generation," "Ally McBeal," "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "Two and a Half Men," "Black-ish," and "Drunk History."
His agency, Wright Entertainment, confirmed his passing, stating, "A remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, Richard leaves behind an extraordinary legacy."
They added that he would be remembered for his "genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers."
Born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, in 1948, Riehle earned a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Minnesota. He began his acting career at the Meadow Brook Theatre before moving to Los Angeles. He was married to Jane Latham and had four children.
In a 2012 interview with Notre Dame magazine, Riehle cited his role in the 1989 war drama "Glory" as one of his most cherished, calling it "the most touching screenplay I’d ever read." He also reflected on the longevity of a character actor's career, noting, "You come in to make a little diversion, be the comic relief or add a little bit of intensity to what’s going on. You’re also liable to have a longer career."