Richard Riehle, the character actor who became a cult favorite as the laid-off Initech product manager Tom Smykowski in “Office Space,” died of natural causes in Los Angeles. He was 78. Variety confirmed that Riehle died on Oct. 15. His representatives at Artists & Representatives and Wright Entertainment announced the death Monday and described the loss as occurring over the weekend, a date that differs from the one given by friends. They called his career, which spanned nearly five decades and hundreds of projects, “an extraordinary legacy.”
Riehle’s most recognizable role came in Mike Judge’s 1999 workplace comedy. As Smykowski, he played a product manager who loses his job, survives a hit-and-run and collects a large settlement that lets him build a prototype of his “Jump to Conclusions” mat. The mustachioed performer gave the character a mix of bluster and wounded dignity that audiences quoted for decades.
The part capped a career built on supporting work. Riehle grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, one of seven children. He studied at the University of Notre Dame, earned a graduate degree from the University of Minnesota and landed an early film role opposite John Wayne in “Rooster Cogburn.” He then spent years on Broadway and in regional theater before returning to the screen.
Directors cast him repeatedly because he made small parts memorable. His film credits included “Glory,” “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Casino” and “The Fugitive.” On television he played Walt Finnerty on “Grounded for Life” from 2001 to 2005, and he appeared several times in the “Star Trek” franchise. He also played Santa Claus in eight different projects.
Colleagues responded with warmth. Donal Logue, who played Riehle’s son-in-law on “Grounded for Life,” wrote on Instagram that Riehle “was an amazing human being” and said everyone loved him. Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.
