Star Trek and Office Space actor Richard Riehle dies aged 78

RIP

The actor died from natural causes in Los Angeles on Thursday, 15 October, according to TMZ. 

He began his acting career in the 1970s, going on to appear in more than 400 film and television productions over the decades.

Riehle was perhaps best known to comedy fans for his role in Office Space. He played Tom Smykowski in the 1999 film, a company employee who insists his ability to deal with people makes him indispensable as the link between customers and software engineers.

(Image credit: 20th Century Fox)

He also appeared alongside Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph in Bridesmaids, playing Bill Cozbi. 

His other work included voicing Bumi and additional characters in the animated series The Legend of Korra.

Away from those roles, Riehle regularly donned the red suit to play Santa Claus. 

His appearances as the festive favourite included Two and a Half Men, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas and Puppy Star Christmas. 

Among his later credits was the role of Warden Reynolds in the crime comedy Barry in 2023.

Following his death, his representative paid tribute to the actor in a statement to Deadline, highlighting the way he treated people throughout his career.

“Beyond his immense talent, he will be remembered for his genuine goodness, boundless kindness, and unwavering generosity, particularly toward emerging actors and filmmakers, whom he encouraged and supported at every opportunity,” the representative said.

'I will miss him dearly'

Tributes have poured in from those who worked with Riehle, with actor Rob Schneider sharing a lengthy message on Instagram following news of his death.

Schneider remembered him as “our friend, the lovely and multitalented gentlemanly actor”, adding that Riehle brought a special warmth to the characters he played.

He also highlighted the actor’s remarkable body of work, saying: “Riehle was literally in hundred of movies and he was just at home in dramas as in his preferred role in comedies.”

Schneider went on to reflect on their time working together, writing: “I feel blessed that I got to work with Richard and we always had many laughs together. I only wish we could have done more.”

"God blessed us with his talents and I will miss him dearly."

Filmmaker Michael Matteo Rossi shared his own tribute on X, describing Riehle as a friend and colleague he had the pleasure of directing. He remembered him as one of the kindest and most genuine people he had met, adding that their encounters always left him smiling.

Donal Logue, who played Riehle’s son in the sitcom Grounded for Life, also paid his respects. Calling him an “actor’s actor”, Logue praised his talent and character in a tribute on Instagram, describing him as “Humble, kind, and incredible at his craft.”