The West Wing star John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry, died today in a Los Angeles
hospital of a heart attack, according to his publicist. Spencer played Chief of Staff to Martin Sheen's President Jeb
Bartlet. On the show, ironically, Spencer's character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White
House gig. In a main storyline this season, though, his character had been tapped as a vice-presidential running mate
for Democratic hopeful Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits.
I am really saddened by the news of Spencer's death. Although I haven't followed The West Wing that closely for the past couple years (really, ever since that cheesy "the president's daughter is abducted from a nightclub, but we resolve it in two episodes" thing), Leo McGarry was always one of my fave characters on the show. Spencer brought warmth, humor, and sensibility to the hard-nosed Chief of Staff; I remember watching the show its first few seasons and thinking -- wow, too bad we don't have these guys running the White House.
The West Wing with no John Spencer? I can't imagine it. What do you think will happen to the show, with one of its key actors now gone?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-16-2005 @ 6:51PM
Joel Keller said...
Wow. What a shocker. I know Spencer had some alcohol problems in the distant past; maybe the hard living caught up to him, even though he's been clean and sober for a long time now.
This kinda messes with the final season, doesn't it? My guess is that Leo dies and Josh becomes the running mate.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:12PM
Psrman said...
Yes, very sad indeed. I would imagine some serious rewriting and re-plotting for the series for the balance of the season ahead.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:15PM
Suetu said...
Wow, I'm just heartbroken by this news. The West Wing has been a favorite show for years, and the characters feel like friends after all this time.
What a shame. He was so young. I can't imagine how they'll write this in.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:22PM
Natrino said...
Seriously, I don't know what to say. This is shocking.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:29PM
Jamie said...
Godspeed, Mr. Spencer.
McGarry was the only thing Santos had going for his campaign as far as the DNC is concerned. I'll bet they lose all faith in him until he gives some awe inspiring, "Let's win one for Leo" speech that jumps him right passed Vinick. It would be more believable than a nuclear disaster they have planned.
The flashforward that started the season takes on a new, eery feel--Leo wasn't in it.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:45PM
Meesh said...
Oh my god. That is just heartbreaking news. I just gasped when I read that headline. So sad for his family, friends and co-workers, especially at this time of year.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:47PM
Jimmy said...
Spencer was one hell of an actor and the West Wing will be lessened by the loss. In many ways, both Spencer and his character were the heart of the show.
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12-16-2005 @ 7:50PM
Tammy said...
I also stopped watching after the abduction, but I did watch the last episode because it was the only new show on that night. Leo McGarry was one of the best things about that episode, as well as back when I watched it regularly. He will be missed terribly.
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12-16-2005 @ 9:21PM
L1merick said...
Mr. Spencer's death will forever diminish the rich texture of a great television show. But the West Wing will forever be a lasting tribute to his talent and class.
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12-16-2005 @ 10:25PM
Bob Sassone said...
I...am...stunned.
Readers of this site know that I love the show. In fact, I've been watching the DVDs the last couple of days. Just today I was watching "H Con 172," the one where Leo refuses the deal the Republicans put on the table. What a solid actor this guy was.
Now I know what I'll be doing this weekend, watching the DVDs even more.
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12-16-2005 @ 10:45PM
janddkraz said...
Could we just forget about the show for minute and just say "the streets of heaven are 'truly' crowded with angels tonight"
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12-16-2005 @ 11:00PM
Landon Howell said...
:-(
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12-16-2005 @ 11:01PM
Brent said...
I will repeat: wow.
He was a man of integrity from what I know (that being watching his character on West Wing). That is too bad. I thought he looked older.
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12-16-2005 @ 11:25PM
Eric Crane said...
I still watch the West Wing faithfully. John Spencer was a superb actor who brought depth to his chracter and the show. Great actors convey emotions even when they aren't speaking, by facial expression and body language. He was one of the few actors who had that quality. He will be sorely missed.
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12-16-2005 @ 11:25PM
Eric Crane said...
I still watch the West Wing faithfully. John Spencer was a superb actor who brought depth to his chracter and the show. Great actors convey emotions even when they aren't speaking, by facial expression and body language. He was one of the few actors who had that quality. He will be sorely missed.
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12-22-2005 @ 2:03PM
Raul A. Marin Jr. said...
I was saddened by the loss of John Spencer. He is truly
a remarkable actor. I enjoyed him on LA Law & Lois & CLark, but he really made his mark on West Wing. This is a show that showcases some remarkable writers & some of the finest actors we have today. Every single actor on this show is suberb. But John was the best, he had the most remarkable facial expressions that let you know what he was feeling, what he was thinking & where he was from minute to minute, even without saying a word. That is a talent of a great actor. He had so much grace, that he made you feel that you wanted to work for him. It would have been an honor. I only wish that real politics were that way & politicians were that honest. My condolences go out to his family & to the great cast of the West Wing, one of the best shows in the history of television. And one of the greatest actors who ever graced a screen.
God Bless you John Spencer...
Raul A. Marin, Jr.
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