Richard Riehle, Office Space Actor, Dies at 78

Actor Richard Riehle, best known for playing Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy Office Space, has died at 78. His talent agency and management company, Wright Entertainment Inc., said he died October 15, 2026, but did not disclose a cause or further details. Reports attributed to Riehle’s friends and to Variety said he died of natural causes in Los Angeles. The accounts did not include medical or official confirmation of the cause. Riehle’s representatives announced his death and age without specifying how he died. Riehle built a career spanning nearly five decades in film, television and theater, appearing in more than 400 screen projects, according to reports citing his credits. He was frequently cast in supporting roles, including authority figures, and worked in both comedy and drama. In Office Space, Mike Judge’s workplace comedy, Riehle played Tom Smykowski, a product manager at the fictional company Initech who faces losing his job. Smykowski’s claim that he has people skills and his idea for a Jump to Conclusions mat became among the character’s most recognizable moments. His television roles included Walt Finnerty on Grounded for Life and appearances in several Star...