Bridesmaids actor Richard Riehle dies aged 78

Actor Richard Riehle, who appeared in more than 400 films and TV series, has died (Picture: Admedia / Zuma Press / Avalon) Actor Richard Riehle, known for Office Space and Star Trek, has died.

The 78-year-old star is said to have died of natural causes in Los Angeles, according to friends.

He died on Thursday, October 15, TMZ reports.

The veteran actor’s career started in the 1970s, spanning decades and roles on shows like Grounded for Life and NCIS.

He appeared in more than 400 films and TV shows during his career.

In the 1999 black comedy Office Space, Riehle played the role of Tom Smykowski, a product manager who becomes the middleman between the company’s customers and software engineers due to his self-proclaimed people skills.

In the adventure series The Legend of Korra, Riehle appeared as the voice of Bumi and other additional voices across 17 episodes.

Riehle was known for playing Santa Claus, including in Two and a Half Men, A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas and Puppy Star Christmas.

In the cult comedy film Bridesmaids starring Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph, Riehle played character called Bill Cozbi.

Some of his final credits include playing Warden Reynolds in the crime comedy series Barry in 2023.

Tributes poured in for the Wisconsin-born character actor, with many praising his comedic skills.

Filmmaker Michael Matteo Rossi said on X: ‘Really saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and colleague Richard Riehle who I had the pleasure of directing and was one of the nicest most genuine people I’ve ever met and anytime we met up he put a smile on my face

One fan said: ‘Prolific character actor Richard Riehle has passed away. People will (rightly) mention Office Space and Casino, but he logged 440 credits; he was an ultimate “I know that guy” actor.’

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Another one wrote: ‘RIP Richard Riehle…brilliantly funny in Office Space…’

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