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West Wing actor John Spencer dead at 58 - BREAKING NEWS

by Kim Voynar, posted Dec 16th 2005 6:26PM

John SpencerThe 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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Raul A. Marin Jr.

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.

December 22 2005 at 2:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eric Crane

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.

December 16 2005 at 11:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Eric Crane

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.

December 16 2005 at 11:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Brent

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.

December 16 2005 at 11:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Landon Howell

:-(

December 16 2005 at 10:46 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
janddkraz

Could we just forget about the show for minute and just say "the streets of heaven are 'truly' crowded with angels tonight"

December 16 2005 at 10:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bob Sassone

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.

December 16 2005 at 10:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
L1merick

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.

December 16 2005 at 9:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jimmy

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.

December 16 2005 at 7:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Meesh

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.

December 16 2005 at 7:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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