Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Richard Riehle, Character Actor in ‘Office Space,’ ‘Star Trek,’ ‘Bridesmaids’ and More, Dies at 78

Richard Riehle, who played Tom Smykowski in "Office Space" and many other roles as a character actor, passed away due to natural causes on October 15 in Los Angeles, confirmed by Variety.He was 78 years old.

His representatives said in a statement, "Richard was a remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television lasted almost five decades and included more than 400 projects.
He leaves behind an amazing legacy.He was known for his kindness, generosity, and especially for helping new actors and filmmakers.Our industry has lost a special talent, and our community has lost a wonderful person."

Riehle was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on May 12, 1948.
He went to the University of Notre Dame and later got a master's degree from the University of Minnesota.He started acting at the Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester, Michigan, and did regional theater in the Pacific Northwest before appearing in the John Wayne movie "Rooster Cogburn."

In "Office Space," Riehle played Tom, the product manager who was laid off from Initech, survived a hit-and-run accident, and won a big settlement that allowed him to pursue his dream and create his "Jump to Conclusions" mat.

On TV, he played Walt Finnerty on "Grounded for Life." He had roles in several "Star Trek" episodes, including as Batai in "The Inner Light" from "The Next Generation." He also had guest roles on shows like "NCIS," "The Middle," and "The West Wing."

Riehle appeared in over 400 films, TV shows, and other projects.
Some of his other roles include the ranch hand Carlson in "Of Mice and Men," the guard who helped Harrison Ford escape custody in "The Fugitive," Principal Beasely in the comedy "Jury Duty," and parts in "Executive Decision," "Mercury Rising," "Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo," "Wedding Crashers," "Bridesmaids," and many more.Across his career, he played Santa Claus in eight different projects, including five films, two TV shows, and a TV movie.

He is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.

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