Richard Riehle, character actor best known for ‘Office Space,’ dies at 78
NBC News • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Richard Riehle, a beloved character actor known for his roles as beleaguered middlemen and his distinctive bushy mustache, has died at the age of 78; the cause of death was not disclosed.
- He was best known for his supporting role as Tom Smykowski in Mike Judge’s “Office Space” and had memorable parts in films like “Glory,” “The Fugitive,” “Casino,” and “Bridesmaids.”
- Riehle’s extensive career included over 400 film and television credits, with notable TV roles such as Principal Ed Rooney on “Ferris Bueller,” a grandfather on “Grounded for Life,” and a prison warden on HBO’s “Barry.”
- His talent agency praised him for his immense talent, kindness, and generosity, especially toward emerging actors and filmmakers, while co-star Donal Logue highlighted Riehle’s professionalism and warmth.
- Born in 1948 in Wisconsin, Riehle began acting in college at the University of Notre Dame and made his screen debut in the 1977 film “Joyride.”
