‘Office Space’ Actor Richard Riehle Dies at 78, Celebrated for His Craft
WHO:
Fox News - Richard Riehle, a character actor known for “Office Space” and “Casino,” died at age 78.
Fox News - Riehle’s representatives confirmed his death and described him as “a remarkable actor” whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects.
Fox News - Riehle’s representatives said he was known for “genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity,” especially toward emerging actors and filmmakers.
Fox News - Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.
Variety - A guest columnist said they first met Riehle while making a Funny or Die video with their friend Tanner Thomason.
WHAT:
Fox News - Riehle’s death was confirmed by his representatives to Fox News Digital; the circumstances of his death were not immediately disclosed.
Fox News - Riehle played Initech product manager Tom Smykowski in the 1999 cult film “Office Space.”
Fox News - He portrayed principal Ed Rooney in the “Ferris Bueller” television adaptation and appeared in 45 episodes of “Grounded for Life.”
Fox News - His other credits included “Murder She Wrote,” “Ally McBeal,” “Married to the Kellys,” the “Star Trek” franchise, “Home Improvement,” “The West Wing,” “NCIS,” and “Casino.”
Fox News - Riehle appeared in “NCIS” alongside Jessica Walter while helping solve cold cases.
Fox News - He had 10 projects in development before his death, including “Made Vicious” with Tom Sizemore and “Mr. Blue” with Daniel Baldwin.
Variety - The columnist and Tanner Thomason were trying to find an actor for their Funny or Die video; someone suggested Riehle, and the columnist recalled being told, “Just offer it to him.”
WHERE:
Fox News - Riehle was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Fox News - He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he first became involved in theater.
WHEN:
Fox News - Riehle died over the weekend.
Fox News - He made his silver-screen debut in 1977 with a small role in the drama “Joyride.”
WHY:
Fox News - Riehle’s representatives asked that his family’s privacy be respected during the difficult time following his death.
HOW:
Fox News - Riehle began acting in theater while attending the University of Notre Dame and later made his film debut with a small role in “Joyride.”
(UPDATED October 21, 2026 00:37 UTC)
Character actor Richard Riehle, known for playing Tom Smykowski in “Office Space” and for roles in “Casino” and “Grounded for Life,” has died at 78; his representatives confirmed his death, and the circumstances were not disclosed. His career spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, and his representatives remembered his kindness and generosity, especially toward emerging actors and filmmakers. Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children, and his representatives asked that the family’s privacy be respected.