Richard Riehle, ‘Office Space’ and ‘The Fugitive’ Actor, Dies at 78

Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor best known for his memorable role as Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy “Office Space” and for appearing in movies such as “The Fugitive,” has died. He was seventy-eight years old.

Richard Riehle, the prolific character actor known for his role in “Office Space” and more than 400 film and television appearances, died on Oct. 15, 2026, in Los Angeles. He was 78, and friends told media outlets he died of natural causes. His representation announced his death publicly on October 19, 2026.

Richard Riehle died on Thursday, October 15, 20, in Los Angeles. Entertainment outlets first reported the news before his rep officially confirmed it.

According to Variety and TMZ, friends of the actor said Riehle died from natural causes. No more medical information or specific condition was immediately released. Wright Entertainment Inc. announced his death on Monday, October 19, 2026, ending a career that spanned nearly 50 years.

Born May 12, 1948, Riehle became one of Hollywood’s most reliable and recognizable character actors. He began his professional acting career in 1977 and accumulated more than 400 screen credits in film, television, and Broadway.

He appeared in hundreds of productions but is best known to mainstream audiences for his scene-stealing turn as Tom Smykowski, the eccentric and incompetent “Bobs” interviewer in Mike Judge’s 1999 cult comedy classic, Office Space.

Besides “Office Space,” Riehle has an extensive filmography that includes memorable roles in major motion pictures such as:

He was also a television regular, appearing as a guest star on dozens of popular series during the 1990s and 2000s. He was also well known for playing Santa Claus in many film and television roles.

Industry publications and representatives quickly pointed out Riehle’s enormous contribution to film and television.

Variety confirmed his death, noting his long legacy as a character actor who consistently elevated the projects he worked on. Wright Entertainment Inc. also issued a statement confirming his date of death as October 15 and paying tribute to his longtime professional association with the actor.

TMZ was the first to report the news, with Riehle’s friends offering some context: They said he’d died of natural causes, not from an accident or a long public illness.

With Richard Riehle’s passing, Hollywood character acting has lost a cornerstone. Character actors like Riehle, rather than leading stars, lend fictional worlds the texture, authenticity, and often comedic relief that make them feel lived-in and real.

His rare versatility shone in his ability to slide effortlessly between dramatic roles in films like “The Fugitive” and iconic comedic turns in “Office Space.” His face and voice are indelible in the fabric of late 20th- and early 21st-century pop culture for millions of viewers.

As of this publication, his family or representatives have not announced any public funeral, memorial service, or celebration-of-life details. His estate and/or future posthumous projects will be updated as they are officially released.

How old was Richard Riehle when he died?
Richard Riehle was 78 when he died.

What was Richard Riehle’s cause of death?
According to friends and industry reports, Richard Riehle died of natural causes.

What is Richard Riehle most famous for?
He is best known for playing Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy “Office Space,” as well as for his appearances in “The Fugitive,” “Casino,” and “Bridesmaids.”