Character actor Richard Riehle, best known for his role in the 1999 film "Office Space," has died. Fox News Digital confirmed the news over the weekend, noting that he was 78 years old at the time of his death.
Representatives for Riehle stated that circumstances surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed. In a statement to Fox News Digital, they described him as a "remarkable actor" whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and included more than 400 projects. The representatives highlighted his "genuine goodness" and "unwavering generosity," particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, and asked for privacy for his family during this difficult time.
Riehle was born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. He first became involved in theater while attending the University of Notre Dame. His silver screen debut came in a small role in the 1977 Americana drama "Joyride."
Throughout his career, Riehle accumulated hundreds of television and film roles. He found particular fame as Initech product manager Tom Smykowski in the cult classic "Office Space." On television, he portrayed principal Ed Rooney in the series adaptation of "Ferris Bueller" and starred in 45 episodes of "Grounded for Life." His other television credits included roles on "Murder She Wrote," "Ally McBeal," and "Married to the Kellys."
Riehle also made multiple appearances on the "Star Trek" franchise. He held guest roles on shows such as "Home Improvement" with Tim Allen, "The West Wing," and "NCIS."
Prior to his death, Riehle had ten projects in the works. These included the film "Made Vicious," which featured the late Tom Sizemore, and "Mr. Blue," starring Daniel Baldwin.
He is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children. Fox News Digital's Larry Fink contributed to the report.