Richard Riehle, known for his role as Tom Smykowski in the 1999 comedy “Office Space,” has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 78. TMZ reports that natural causes were the reason for his death.
Hailing from Wisconsin, Riehle’s career spanned over 400 film and television projects. His cinematic contributions included roles in “Casino,” “Free Willy,” and “The Fugitive.” On television, viewers appreciated his performances in shows like “Fuller House,” “The West Wing,” and “Grounded for Life.”
Broadway also saw Riehle’s talent in productions such as “The Man Who Had All the Luck,” “The Iceman Cometh,” and “Execution of Justice.”
In an interview with The Working Actor’s Journey blog in 2019, Riehle expressed a resilient perspective on industry rejection. “I bring the best I can to the audition, and if that’s what they want, and if all other stars are in alignment, I’ll get it. If not, it’s onto the next thing,” he stated.
His portrayal of a project manager in “Office Space” who envisioned a fortune-making “Jump to Conclusions” mat stood as his most famous role. The mat allowed users to jump onto printed words on a floor pad, an idea his colleagues did not support.
Riehle’s character in “Office Space” was also remembered for his cluelessness about social interactions. A notable scene had him exclaiming in frustration, “I am good at dealing with people! Can’t you understand that? What the hell is wrong with you people?”
Riehle’s final film was “The Cowboy Killer,” featuring Ed Begley Jr. and Robert Carradine, the latter of whom passed away in February. The film premiered in July.
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