Richard Riehle, 'Office Space' character actor, dies at 78
Richard Riehle, the character actor best known as Tom Smykowski in the comedy Office Space, has died at 78, his representatives said Monday. He had more than 400 film and TV credits, including The Fugitive and Bridesmaids. Fellow actors praised his kindness and talent.
Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor best known for playing the anxious product manager Tom Smykowski in "Office Space," has died at 78, his representatives said Monday, the Los Angeles Times and NBC News reported.
The Los Angeles Times reported that he died Thursday of natural causes in Los Angeles. NBC News reported that his representatives said he died over the weekend and did not give a cause.
"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 talent agency and management company said in a joint statement. "Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man."
In Mike Judge's 1999 cult comedy, Riehle played Tom, the middle manager on the chopping block who insists, "I have people skills!" The character is laid off, then badly hurt in a hit-and-run and wins a big settlement. Riehle once recalled being put in a real body cast for the hospital scene. "I couldn't get out of it for 8 hours," he said in an interview with Notre Dame Magazine, the Times reported.
With his bushy mustache and knack for playing worn-down middlemen, he was a favorite of casting directors for decades, NBC News reported. He played the guard who lets Harrison Ford's character escape in "The Fugitive," a mob banker in Martin Scorsese's "Casino" and a kind auto mechanic who helps Kristen Wiig in "Bridesmaids." On TV, he played Principal Ed Rooney on the sitcom "Ferris Bueller," a gruff grandfather on "Grounded for Life" and, most recently, a prison warden on HBO's "Barry."
"He was an actor's actor — humble, kind, and incredible at his craft," wrote "Grounded for Life" star Donal Logue, NBC News reported.
Riehle was born May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and caught the acting bug at the University of Notre Dame. His first screen role was an unnamed bartender in the 1977 film "Joyride."
What we know: Riehle died at 78 after a career of more than 400 screen credits.
What we don't: The exact day he died, which the Los Angeles Times and NBC News give differently.
Where outlets agree The Los Angeles Times and NBC News both report that Office Space actor Richard Riehle has died at 78, citing his representatives.
Where they differ The cited reports agree on the key facts so far.