# Richard Riehle Dies at 78

> Office Space star Richard Riehle dies aged 78.
- Title: Richard Riehle Dies at 78 · NME | Shortify
- Summary: Office Space star Richard Riehle dies aged 78. Actor Richard Riehle, known for Office Space and The West Wing, died at 78.
- Keywords: richard riehle, office space, the west wing, nme, actor, death, music, culture, Richard, Riehle, Dies
- Source: NME — https://nme.com/news/film/richard-riehle-dies-office-spage-age-west-wing-santa-clause-3973577
- Published: 2026-10-20T09:36:56+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: richard riehle, office space, the west wing, nme, actor, death, music, culture
## Richard Riehle dies
Actor Richard Riehle, best known for roles in Office Space and The West Wing, has died aged 78.
## Management confirms death
Wright Entertainment Inc. confirmed his death last night (Monday October 19) with a statement about his legacy.
## Office Space role
He played Tom Smykowski, an Initech employee who insisted he should keep his job because he has 'people skills'.

> people skills
## Career highlights
Riehle starred in over 400 movies and TV shows, including The West Wing, Star Trek projects, and Santa Claus roles.
## Key takeaway

Actor Richard Riehle, known for Office Space and The West Wing, died at 78.