Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor known for playing Tom Smykowski in Mike Judge’s workplace comedy “Office Space,” has died at 78. Multiple outlets report that he died on October 15 in Los Angeles of natural causes, with friends and other sources close to him confirming the cause of death.
Riehle’s career spanned decades across film and television, with outlets highlighting roles in titles such as “Casino,” “The Fugitive,” “Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo,” and “Glory,” as well as appearances in long-running TV series including “Star Trek” projects and “Grounded for Life” and “NCIS.” He also had a visible comedic presence in “Bridesmaids,” where he played Bill Cozbi, and in the animated series “The Legend of Korra.” Several publications describe him as a scene-stealer or “I know that guy” performer, emphasizing the large volume of credited work across hundreds of productions.
While the specific wording varies by outlet, the reporting converges on his most recognizable performances—especially “Office Space”—and on the details of his death and age.
