Fastrack · Office Space Star Richard Riehle Dies at 78

Richard Riehle, the character actor who played Tom Smykowski in 'Office Space,' has died at 78. Friends told TMZ he died of natural causes Oct. 15 in Los Angeles.

400-plus film and TV projects across a decades-long career.
1948: born in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.
Studied at Notre Dame, then earned an MFA at Minnesota.
Credits include 'The Fugitive,' 'Casino,' 'Bridesmaids' and 'Grounded for Life.'

Why it matters: Riehle rarely led a film but worked steadily for decades. His 'Jump to Conclusions' mat character became a cult favorite.

He also appeared in several 'Star Trek' series and horror films like 'Hatchet.'

How 18 sources split on this story

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Coverage by lean% of 18 sources

18 sources · 18 articles · 50% Center coverage

Center coverage, 9 sources: The center focuses on his 'Office Space' role and his own recollections of making the film.

TMZ6h'Office Space' Star Richard Riehle Dead at 78 The National Desk5h'Office Space' star Richard Riehle dead at 78 Deadline2hRichard Riehle Dies: ‘Office Space’ & ‘Bridesmaids’ Actor Was 78 Forbes4hRichard Riehle, ‘Office Space’ And ‘Casino’ Actor, Dies At 78 PennLive4h‘Office Space’ star dies at 78 USA Today18mRichard Riehle, 'Office Space' actor with iconic mustache, dies at 78 WFLA News Channel 83hRichard Riehle of 'Office Space,' over 400 more shows and movies, dies: Reports WGAL 83hLongtime actor Richard Riehle, known for roles in 'Office Space,' and 'The Fugitive,' dies at 78 WKBN Youngstown3hRichard Riehle of 'Office Space,' over 400 more shows and movies, dies: Reports

Left coverage, 6 sources: The left frames it as a developing report on a versatile character actor with a long resume and posthumous work ahead.

Cleveland.com4h‘Office Space’ star dies at 78 Hollywood Reporter2hRichard Riehle, ‘Office Space’ Actor, Dies at 78 Rolling Stone3hRichard Riehle, Character Actor and ‘Office Space’ Scene-Stealer, Dead at 78 The Independent3hOffice Space star Richard Riehle dead aged 78 after prolific acting career Variety3hRichard Riehle Dead: Office Space, Star Trek, Bridesmaids Actor Was 78 Vice2h‘Office Space’ Star Richard Riehle Dies at 78

Right coverage, 3 sources: The right emphasizes his 400-project output and fan tributes calling him an underrated actor who was in everything.

Daily Mail5hRichard Riehle dead at 78: Office Space star who starred in over 400 projects dies as fans praise the 'underrated' character actor The Sun5hRichard Riehle dead aged 78: Star of cult classic Office Space who acted in over 400 movies and TV shows dies New York Post5h'Office Space' star Richard Riehle dead at 78

What’s next: Riehle will appear posthumously in projects now in post-production. His last completed film is 'The Cowboy Killer.'

Daily Mail and NJ.com have contacted his representatives for comment.
Riehle's representatives have not publicly confirmed details beyond what friends told TMZ.
The Sun reported his age as 79; other outlets say 78.