Richard Riehle cause of death: Office Space actor dies at 78 after long Hollywood career

Richard Riehle, Office Space star has died at 78. He was one of those familiar faces audiences often recognized. Over a career that lasted decades, Riehle appeared in more than 400 film and television projects. While Office Space remains one of his best-known roles, his work reached far beyond the cult comedy. The inputs are taken from TMZ, Just Jared and Fox18.

Richard Riehle’s cause of death

TMZ reported that Riehle died of causes at his home in Los Angeles last Thursday. Friends of the actor confirmed the news to the outlet.


The report did not provide details about his death. Riehle had built a career in Hollywood taking on supporting roles in comedies, dramas and television series.

His name will always be linked to Office Space, the 1999 film directed by Mike Judge. His performance, as Tom Smykowski helped make the character a memorable part of the movie.

Why do fans remember Richard Riehle from Office Space?

In Office Space, Riehle played Tom, a product manager at the fictional company Initech who finds himself facing a layoff. After surviving a hit-and-run accident, his character receives a large financial settlement and finally gets the chance to pursue his business idea. That idea is a “Jump to Conclusions” mat, a product that became one of the film’s most memorable jokes. Tom’s scenes helped make him a fan favorite in a movie that has remained popular with audiences.

The film also starred Ron Livingston, Jennifer Aniston and Gary Cole.

Richard Riehle’s career went far beyond one role

Riehle appeared in a long list of well-known films

• The Fugitive
• Casino
• Bridesmaids
• Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo

Television gave him plenty of opportunities. He played Walt Finnerty on Grounded for Life, which aired from 2001 to 2005, and appeared in shows such as The West Wing, ER, NCIS, Modern Family and Boston Legal. Riehle spent decades moving between film, television and theater. Though he played many different characters, his role in Office Space remains a lasting part of his Hollywood career.