Born in Long Grove, Ill., Riley began his career in the Chicago improv scene, joining the famed Second City improv troupe in the 1980s and working alongside the likes of Jim Belushi, Tim Kazurinsky, and George Wendt. He was a writer for SNL between 1984 and 1985. Riley also made a name for himself in the Chicago theater scene, including productions of The Mystery Circle and Cadillac. He had several minor television and film roles, with credits including 2010’s A Nightmare on Elm Street, Chicago Fire, and Groundhog Day — in which he played a DJ whose voice wakes up Bill Murray each day when his radio alarm clock goes off.