‘OFFICE SPACE’ STAR RICHARD RIEHLE DEAD AT 78 — THE BELOVED ACTOR APPEARED IN MORE THAN 400 FILMS AND TV SHOWS

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a familiar face after veteran character actor Richard Riehle, best known for playing Tom Smykowski in the cult comedy Office Space, died at the age of 78.

Riehle died on October 15, 2026, in Los Angeles from natural causes, according to reports from PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly published Monday.

Although he may not always have been the leading man, Riehle built an extraordinary career by bringing memorable characters to life across film and television. Over several decades, he appeared in more than 400 screen projects, becoming one of those actors audiences recognized instantly, even when they could not immediately remember his name.

His best-known role came in the 1999 comedy Office Space, where he played Tom Smykowski, the office employee famous for his unforgettable line about people skills. The film became a cult favorite and continues to find new audiences years after its release.

Riehle also appeared in the hit comedy Bridesmaids, as well as films including Casino, The Fugitive, Wedding Crashers, and Transformers: Age of Extinction.

His television career was just as extensive. He made appearances in popular shows including The West Wing, ER, NCIS, Modern Family, and Star Trek: The Next Generation. He also played Walt Finnerty on the sitcom Grounded for Life and voiced Bumi in the animated series The Legend of Korra.

Born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, in 1948, Riehle studied at the University of Notre Dame before earning a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Minnesota. He began his career in regional theater and made his film debut in Rooster Cogburn in 1975.

His career was a testament to the importance of character actors — performers who help make movies and television shows feel real, memorable, and human.

For fans of Office Space, Riehle will forever be remembered as the frustrated office worker whose scenes became part of the film’s enduring appeal.

His passing marks the loss of a hardworking performer whose face and talent were woven into decades of American entertainment.