Richard Riehle, Character Actor Known for 'Office Space,' Dies at 78

Richard Riehle, a prolific character actor best known as the anxious product manager Tom Smykowski in "Office Space," has died at 78, his representatives said. They confirmed the death in a statement on Monday and gave no cause. Friends told TMZ he died of natural causes on October 15. Riehle appeared in more than 400 projects, including "Glory," "The Fugitive," "Casino," "Bridesmaids" and, most recently, HBO's "Barry." His talent agency and management company said he would be remembered for his kindness and generosity toward emerging actors and filmmakers, and asked that his family's privacy be respected. Born May 12, 1948, in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, he began acting while at the University of Notre Dame and earned an MFA at the University of Minnesota.

Left-leaning outlets focus on his career: NBC News lists his film and TV roles and says he died Friday, while the New York Times stresses a career of more than five decades. Alternative coverage from The A.V. Club adds a biography, quotes Riehle's own 2017 interview and cites TMZ for the cause and date. Right-leaning outlets lead with the representatives' statement and his best-known films. Fox News says he died over the weekend, and the Washington Times calls him dependable and often an authority figure.