'Office Space' actor Richard Riehle’s cause of death revealed: Report
Actor Richard Riehle arrives at the premiere of New Line Cinema's "A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas" at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on November 2, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
The cause of death for Richard Riehle, best known for playing Tom Smykowski in the cult classic comedy "Office Space," was revealed on Tuesday, according to reports.
Riehle died at the age of 78 years old earlier this month.
Richard Riehle’s cause of death confirmed
Big picture view:
According to his death certificate obtained by TMZ, Riehle died from a stroke, with throat cancer listed as the underlying cause.
The document identifies the cancer as oropharyngeal cancer, which affects the throat and nearby areas. Riehle was cremated Oct. 23, according to the certificate.
TMZ previously reported that Riehle died of natural causes on Oct. 15 in Los Angeles.
Richard Riehle’s legacy
The backstory:
He was a veteran character actor with more than 400 acting credits spanning film and television.
"Our industry has lost an exceptional talent, and our community has lost a truly wonderful man," Wright Entertainment said in a statement earlier this month. "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."
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One of his most notable roles came in the 1999 satirical black comedy film "Office Space" as Tom Smykowski, who unfortunate story helps spur the film's protagonist to his own rebellion against their employer, tech firm Initech.
Riehle began acting at the University of Notre Dame after staying an extra semester, being allowed to take classes in speech and drama. He would later go on to have his first speaking role in 1977 in "Joyride" with with Desi Arnaz Jr., Anne Lockhart, Robert Carradine and Melanie Griffith.
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Riehle also had memorable roles in several other movies, including "Of Mice and Men," "The Fugitive," and "Casino."
The Source: This story was reported from Los Angeles. TMZ, previous FOX Local reporting contributed.