Ex White House Chief of Staff Passes Away
December 17th, 2005 1:07 pm
John Spencer, 58, best known for his role on The West Wing as Leo McGarry, Chief of Staff for the Bartlet administration has died of a heart attack on Friday.
John Spencer started his acting career in 1964 on the Patty Duke show nad has been in several films and tv roles including LA Law.
It is interesting to note that on the show, his characted Leo McGarry suffered a heart attack on the show and had to take a leave of absence during his convalescence, putting CJ Cregg in the Chief of Staff role.
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December 17th, 2005 at 13:42
That’s weird. The way you post about it- it made it look like a real former white house chief of staff died. How much did he mean to you?
December 17th, 2005 at 13:47
Madge,
I LOVE this show. I have been a West Wing fan since the show made it’s debut several years back. I have always been fascinated with shows that had to do with the Presidency. Movies like The American President, Dave or Primary Colors and my new favorite The Commander in Chief starring Gina Davis.
I thought that Leo McGarry (John Spencer) did a superb job in playing the Chief of Staff role for President Bartlet (Martin Sheen).
I was saddened to hear of his death this morning…
On a lighter note…I’m so honored that you visited my site today!! I wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday Season!
December 18th, 2005 at 14:52
John Spencer was a really great actor. There was one episode several years ago that I thought was some of the best acting I’d ever seen on TV. Spencer’s character Leo was preparing to testify before a Congressional committee regarding candidate Bartlett’s covering up his relapsing MS. Through conversations with his attorney we come to discover Leo had suffered a relapse and had a bit of a bender in his hotel room as the campaign at that time was prepping for a presidential debate. During the debate prep candidate Bartlett had an MS attack.
I know the plot sounds complex and there seem to be several nested flashbacks in there, but it was a really great acting job. Spencer made Leo a wonderfully human character. This was during the years when the West Wing was at its best.
The big problem for the current season of the West Wing is that Leo is the Democratic nominee for Vice President. Spencer’s passing will definitely through in a huge plot twist.