Richard Riehle, Character Actor Known for 'Office Space,' Dies at 78
Photo: Fox NewsRichard Riehle, a character actor best known as Tom Smykowski in Office Space, died at age 78, his representatives said. Friends said he died of natural causes on October 15, while representatives said he died over the weekend and did not disclose circumstances. Born May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Riehle began acting by chance and appeared in more than 400 screen projects, beginning with a 1975 film role in Rooster Cogburn. He also played authority figures and comic roles, and his representatives praised his talent and generosity toward emerging actors.
Left-leaning coverage, led by The New York Times, emphasizes a career spanning more than half a century and his anxious Office Space character. Alternative coverage, led by The A.V. Club, relays the natural-causes account and traces his path from university theater to acting. Right-leaning outlets, Fox News and the Washington Times, lean on representatives' statements and his versatility in authority and comic roles, with Fox describing a career of nearly five decades.
How the sides differ Alternative sources cite natural causes via friends; right sources say circumstances were undisclosed and stress representatives' tributes.
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Leads with Riehle's career spanning more than half a century and his anxious Office Space character, playing up his people-skills persona.
Leads with his Office Space role and early path into acting, citing friends who said he died of natural causes on October 15.
- Washington TimesRichard Riehle, dependable TV and film character actor who was in 'Glory' and 'Office Space,' dies
Leads with representatives confirming the death and their tributes to his talent and kindness, noting circumstances were not disclosed. The Washington Times highlights his authority-figure and comic roles.