Richard Riehle, known for his role in the 1999 film Office Space, has died. He was 78.
A statement shared by Artists & Representatives and Wright Entertainment, Inc. announced Riehle’s passing on Monday, writing, “Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man.”
“We are deeply saddened to confirm the passing of our beloved client, Richard Riehle, this past weekend,” the statement said. “A remarkable actor whose career in theater, film, and television spanned nearly five decades and more than 400 projects, Richard leaves behind an extraordinary legacy.”
The statement continued, “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.”
Born on May 12, 1948, Riehle starred in many television series and films over the years.
Notable projects include Casino, The Man from Earth and Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo.
He got his start as an actor at the University of Notre Dame, where he was involved in the University Theatre and starred in several stage productions. He went on to earn a Master of Fine Arts in acting and directing from the University of Minnesota.
While he’s played characters that have an “average Joe” presence, he always made the most of his brief screen time.
Some roles that he is remembered for include The Quartermaster in Glory, the train guard in The Fugitive, Reverend Scroggins in Fried Green Tomatoes and Bill Cozbi in Bridesmaids.
On television, he starred as Principal Ed Rooney in the 1990 series Ferris Bueller and as grandfather Walt Finnerty in the early 2000s sitcom, Grounded For Life.
In 2023, he also played Warden Reynolds in Barry.
Riehle is survived by his wife, Jane Latham, and their four children.
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