Richard Riehle, who became known for his role as Tom Smykowski in “Office Space” has died. He was 78.
According to TMZ, who was first to report the news, Riehle died of natural causes last Thursday, Oct. 15, in Los Angeles.
“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support for our brother and uncle,” his family shared in a statement to TheWrap. “We know he truly loved his work and loved his life. Sadly, it was cut short due to cancer and he passed away on October 16th. Never married and the oldest of seven, he was beloved by the people he left behind – his brother, sisters, many nieces and nephews and dear friends. We miss him terribly.”
Richard Riehle was born May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wis., to Mary Margaret Walsh, a nurse, and Herbert John Riehle, an assistant postmaster.
Riehle attended the University of Notre Dame, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in speech and drama, graduating cum laude in 1970. He became deeply involved in the university’s theater program, acting in student productions and working as a stage manager, while also helping with sets and costumes. After graduating, he traveled to Austria to study German before continuing his theatrical training at the John Fernald Academy of Dramatic Art in Rochester, Michigan.
Riehle became most known for playing Tom Smykowski, a longtime employee at the fictional software company Initech, in Mike Judge’s 1999 workplace comedy “Office Space.” Tom is a nervous, middle-aged office worker who struggles to explain his job to management during a round of corporate downsizing. The film and his character formed a cult following.
Riehle built a career spanning more than four decades, appearing in over 400 films and television shows while also maintaining an extensive theater career. His screen credits included “Glory,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “The Fugitive,” “Casino,” “Executive Decision,” “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” “Wedding Crashers” and “Bridesmaids.” On television, he played Walt Finnerty on the sitcom “Grounded for Life” and made guest appearances on series including “The West Wing,” “ER,” “NCIS,” “Modern Family” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend. 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,” his reps said in a statement on his passing. “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.”
“Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man,” the statement continued. “We ask that his family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.:
He is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.
