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John Spencer Obituary
Spencer played Leo McGarry, the chief of staff to President Jeb Bartlet (Martin Sheen) through the first few seasons of the NBC series. In a sad parallel to life, his character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job.
The character recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign has been a central theme this season for the drama.
Spencer, who also starred on "L.A. Law" as attorney Tommy Mullaney, received an Emmy Award for his performance on "The West Wing" in 2002 and was nominated four other times for the drama.
The actor mirrored his character in several ways: both were recovering alcoholics and both, Spencer once said, were driven.
"Like Leo, I've always been a workaholic, too," he told The Associated Press in a 2000 interview. "Through good times and bad, acting has been my escape, my joy, my nourishment. The drug for me, even better than alcohol, was acting."
Spencer grew up in Paterson, N.J., the son of blue-collar parents. With his enrollment at the Professional Children's School in Manhattan, he was sharing classes with the likes of Liza Minnelli and budding violinist Pinchas Zukerman.
As a teenager, Spencer landed a recurring role on "The Patty Duke Show" as the boyfriend of English twin Cathy. Stage and film work followed. Then his big break: playing Harrison Ford's detective sidekick in the 1990 courtroom thriller "Presumed Innocent." That role led to his hiring for the final four years of "L.A. Law."
Service and funeral arrangements were pending, Hofmann said.
Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press
426 Entries
Adam and Susan Jacunski
July 5, 2025
John's friendship was a gift. He was a star in our lives long before Hollywood made him one.
November 28, 2024
i think leo was a great character on the west wing. i have watched the entire series multiple times.
Peter R
November 17, 2024
Very late comer to West Wing. Specifically noted the quality of John’s acting. I’m only on season 2 but he strikes me as the star of the show. Was sad to find while reading about the cast that he passed 19 years ago. He left a legacy with this show alone. Sounds like he was a wonderful person as well. A shame we lost him so early.
john godfrey
September 20, 2018
Very sorry that John Spencer past away,it's only this last three years I have been watching this great show,he was a giant among great actors,and this is properly the best TV show to come out of the US,I wonder, if he would have lived,what other great parts we would all be enjoying now,I hope that what ever he believed has come true for him.
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Maggi Crowston-Boaler
March 2, 2017
I came late to the West Wing, finding it just a few weeks ago (2017). I came to admire Mr. Spencer as a consummate actor and developed a great affection for his character, Leo McGarry. As an alcoholic myself, I related to Leo's recognition of his addiction. The episodes covering Leo's heart attack were familiar because my father died of a massive heart attack in 1975. And I also have a heart condition. To learn that Mr. Spencer had died of a heart attack was spooky. I can only imagine how the filming of the subsequent episodes must have been for the cast. It seemed obvious that the tears of cast members during the funeral scenes were real. I wept, watching that episode. I lost my elder son, four years ago, to a late- diagnosed and terminal cancer. His death came exactly a month after diagnosis. He was just thirty-eight. The shock is something from which I'll never recover. My heart goes out to all those hit by the shock of Mr. Spencer's death. His memory will endure in the admiration of all who came to know him through his superlative performance as Leo McGarry.
Ryan Tercero
August 1, 2016
John you were an amazing actor. I have watched the West Wing many times and every time I shed a tear at the fact that you are gone. Watching you win the Emmy for the show makes me smile because you earned it. This is very evident when watching the reaction of you're fellow co-stars. John, you left us too soon.
March 23, 2016
leo macgarry, i have so enjoyed you in the west wing; my thoughts are with your family.
Harry Simpson
December 16, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Pat O'Keeffe
February 7, 2015
Watching West Wing entire series for fifth time. The show and particularly you John are an inspiration. You were a great actor and I still get upset when I watch your final appearances. The show feels as fresh and inspiring now as it did in 2000s.
Annie M
January 2, 2015
I've always wondered if you made it back to Sea Lion Caves during the crazy season. You are missed.
Megan Gallop
January 8, 2014
There will be an empty chair at the holiday table this year, but it will be filled with loving memories.
Megan
January 8, 2014
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Lessie Tyson
December 21, 2013
Lighting a candle in my heart for John Spencer on his birthday. I never knew you apart from your work. But I'm glad I've been blessed to know the kind of actor you were and still are forever on screen. Happy Birthday, Mr. Spencer and thank you for your work.
~ An appreciative fan
debi taylor
December 21, 2013
Thinking of you on your birthday
Megan Gallop
October 17, 2013
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Megan Gallop
October 17, 2013
I would like to light this candle in memory of
John spencer who I never got to meet but I watched the west wing all of the time I also like to say to the family of John spencer may he rest in peace with The Lord and saviour Jesus Christ and his angels I miss him every single day
I also like the eposide that had kristin chenoweth in them and she had a great friend like John spencer to work with he will be forever missed
Robert Spencer
March 11, 2013
The sun can sometimes cast light in areas that are shaded, the darkness is always there no matter how full your glass is.
A fan
December 20, 2010
Happy Birthday, John.
A fan
December 16, 2010
Honoring you, on this day. Remembering you and missing you, every day.
Elaine
July 13, 2010
Much time has passed and I still cannot believe your gone from us. West Wing is still, by far, one of my favorite shows largely due to the depth of character you brought to "Leo". Life has been challenging for me as of late. Yet whenever I find an espisode of West Wing on, even if it is just playing in the background, I feel as though there are "old friends" in the room.
I had no idea just how deeply your show impacted my life. I smile to myself when ever a "real life" political event mirrors one protrayed on West Wing... and there have been many of them recently!
I first became aware of your talents on LA Law and have since found many opportunities to see your work.
You are missed John Spencer... truly.
March 30, 2010
For John...
I can not count the times I
watched "The West Wing" and
how much pleasure you have
given me with you enormous
talent.
John...this is for you.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
megan gallop
December 11, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
megan gallop
December 11, 2009
JOHN SPENCER WAS A GREAT ACTOR MAY HE BE FOREVER MISSED and i will continue to think about him every day i think that kristin chenoweth was good person to work with this fine and wonderful man that we all call john spencer he is in a better place and he is also with god and his angels
MEGAN GALLOP
December 11, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
megan gallop
June 24, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kirsten
June 22, 2009
I often wonder... WWLD?
Rewatching the WW for the second time, I just entered the 'election day' episode. It still hurts, knowing how it will end. John was an amazing actor, and played the role of his life as Leo McGarry!
megan gallop
June 16, 2009
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
megan gallop
June 15, 2009
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Andrew Reese
May 21, 2009
Mr. Spencer, I know this is late but as a fan of West Wing who watches re-runs on t.v. and DVD I admire your talent not only as an actor but a "serious chief of staff." I think you and Martin Sheen would have made a serious pair at the White House.
MEGAN GALLOP
May 2, 2009
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
megan gallop
May 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
megan gallop
May 1, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
megan gallop
April 11, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
megan gallop
April 11, 2009
i miss john spencer every single day he was the best actor on the west wing and he will be missed i never got to meet him but i know he is in a better place
megan gallop
April 11, 2009
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
MEGAN GALLOP
April 8, 2009
I THINK JOHN SPENCER WAS A GREAT ACTOR I WILL MISS HIM EVERY DAY BUT I KNOW NOW THAT HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE MAY THE ANGELS WATCH OVER YOU IN HEAVEN
Scott Gibbins
January 17, 2009
I am currently are watching the west wing CD boxed set i recently purchased; and to my shock found out John Spencer past on. I am shocked at the loss. He was a fantastic actor. I respect him greatly.
Tami Bramblett
November 26, 2008
Miss you.
Jane Thomas
September 8, 2008
After nearly 3 years I still cannot believe God took you.
Heaven maybe a better brighter place with you there but here it´s grey and cloudy without your wicked smile.
A fine actor and by all accounts a very nice man to know. What a shame you left us too early
Larry Cramer
August 12, 2008
Family:
I watched again the DVD with the AA situation. His "The West Wing" work with alchololism is uncanny for my family.
The streets of Heaven: Well, Mr. Spencer, you know where the streets are, and the walk is a beautiful one for you.
God is with you.
Jonathan Thiessen
May 4, 2008
I watched John's work on The West Wing over 8 tremendous seasons, and he was phenominal in every episode! The skill and energy he brought to the character of Leo McGarry could not have been done by anyone else. John you will be in our hearts and minds forever.
christen shaughnessy
April 7, 2008
he was a good actor
megan gallop
February 23, 2008
john spencer was a great actor i was a fan of the west wing i will miss him everyday but he is in gods hands now and he is also with the angels i think there are angels in heaven watching him may he rest in peace
R L
December 20, 2007
Happy Birthday, John.
Still missing you.....
megan gallop
July 29, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
megan gallop
July 27, 2007
john spencer i never got to meet you but you were a great actor and i hope their are angels in heaven with you may you rest in peace
megan gallop
July 27, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
megan gallop
July 27, 2007
i also miss john spencer he was a good friend and a good actor may he have angels watching over him in heaven
Fede
May 5, 2007
"You did a lot of good".
( Abey say's on last episode "Tomorrow"....)
A lot of good, John. Thank you.
Ismael Bermejo
May 3, 2007
I'm so sorry about this terrible lost. John, we never forgot you!
James E. F. Riley, Sr.
April 24, 2007
I appeared with John as a sheriff on L.A. Law many years ago. He was a friend and a very nice man with no false airs about him. He was a talented and generous actor, a true professional and wonderful man
Jeff Kalhagen
February 1, 2007
He was fantastic on the West Wing.
-Jeff Kalhagen
Angel
December 14, 2006
Well done, thy good and faithful servant. Thanks, John. We'll miss you.
Patricia Triviño
September 22, 2006
Great actor, great man.
n t
August 22, 2006
As I watch the West wing, all i can say is that i love his character. And to find out that u will no longer be around is really heart-breaking. my warmest and sincerest wishes to his family. Mr. Spencer...U will ALWAYS be remembered.
Kirsty Harrison
August 18, 2006
I still and often think of John Spencer with great fondness. I only know him from his work on the West Wing, but he was remarkably talented and his warmth and vitality shone through the screen. His was a life taken too soon.
Thank you Mr Spencer for your work, and Rest in Splendid Peace.
Owen L
July 8, 2006
May you rest in peace John Spencer and may angels guide your soul to a new and better world. You were a wonderful and fine actor who gave the characters that you played such depth, dimension, reality and humanity. You were a wonderful person who provided so many people with many hours of entertainment, enjoyment and laughter. You touched the lives of millions and your legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved you and among all those around the globe who knew you from your acting roles
My sincere and heartfelt thoughts, prayers, condolences and symapthies to the family of John Spencer. May they know that he touched the lives of millions of people around the world and changed their lives for the better
Maura
June 11, 2006
I miss John Spencer. I was happy knowing someone like him was in the world. As a character (which is how I knew him), he had a big impact on me. At the risk of sounding like a dorky West Wing fan, I wish I knew more people like him.
Jeff Kalhagen
June 3, 2006
He will be missed. A great and talented actor.
-Jeff Kalhagen
Michael S
May 22, 2006
A truly great actor, an exceptional human being, and an inspiration to friends of Bill W. everywhere. Thank you John, for your class and grace. You were a true gentleman.
Terry Wirkus
May 4, 2006
Ani really hit it on the head. Even though my wife and I never knew John Spencer personally, his death has left a void in our lives.
If John's family reads this I just want them to know that they have our deepest condolensces. They should be proud of a man that brought so much happiness to so many with his acting craft.
God bless you, John S.
Yujin Nah
April 22, 2006
I cannot believe that you are already a deceased. I just got to know 'The west wing' here in Korea and began to like all the feature of yours. You were a great man on every single scene.
I'll always like and and have the memory of you, Mr. Spencer
Mark McGarry
April 21, 2006
Mr. Spencer, you were such a great actor, and you will be missed by everyone. Goodbye, John.
Johan
April 19, 2006
Thank you for the good times
Terry Wirkus
April 16, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Denise Clements
April 11, 2006
My deepest, heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends of John Spencer. He has changed so many lives by being a man who spoke what he felt, not just what he knew. His gifts to us all through his acting is a rare and precious thing.
Know always that he lives on inside of you all and will never be forgotten.
Yolanda Wilson-Harris
March 13, 2006
I have loved watching John since L.A. Order. He was a great actor. He was always incredible on the West Wing. You will be missed. May God continue to bless your family.
nicole beauchemin
March 12, 2006
It's been nearly 3 months since John Spencer died but I still get slightly teary-eyed whenever I think of him. He was a class-act and will be sorely missed- not just as an actor but as a man, too. He was the friend you'd want to jump down in the hole with you. Rest in peace. We will miss you always. You'll never be forgotten.
Scott Foster
February 20, 2006
Two months since JS has passed and I am still quite saddened. John Spencer was a great character actor and an even greater human being. He was inspiring to be around. I had the pleasure to work with him when "The West Wing" came to DC to film. He was one of my favorite actors to work with. He will be missed. Rest In Piece, my friend.
Roelof Pool
February 16, 2006
John was a great actor, here in the Netherlands he too will be missed enormously.
J B
January 23, 2006
My prayers and condolences to all who loved John Spencer. Mr. Spencer created such a remarkable realistic role as Leo McGarry -- it is very hard to not feel that I knew him personally. He will be sorely missed.
a j
January 18, 2006
i don't have alot of time to be on the computer, so i just found out about this page for Mr. Spencer.
i ALWAYS had time for West Wing however, and Mr. Spencer was without question my favorite.
may his friends and family find peace.
may he find eternal bliss.
Luis McGarry
January 18, 2006
The heart of the west wing has been stopped. Probably God has a good reason. We don't understand it.
We'll miss you. Enjoy the new show, John. It has the best director.
Florence Grappone
January 17, 2006
Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for the great work you leave for years to come from "Presumed Innocent" to "L.A. Law" to some of your best work, "West Wing." The way in which you and the "West Wing" cast have read Aaron Sorkin's magical lines is the best repartee in TV.
To paraphrase one of Mr. Sorkin's immortal lines - the streets of heaven are crowded with angels today - heaven now has you.
My condolences to your family, friends and to everyone who works on "West Wing."
Florence Grappone
Kevin Snyder
January 16, 2006
Thank you for your great work bringing Leo to us each week. May you be entered into eternal rest.
Ken
January 14, 2006
When I heard the news, It felt like
I had lost a friend. I enjoyed John
Spencer's work, and no one could ever fill his shoes!!!
Thank You Sir & GOD BLESS YOU!!!
Carol Mocchino
January 13, 2006
He played one of the most flawed, vulnerable yet sympathetic and approachable characters on television today. And he did it so beautifully. It was always a pleasure to watch him. He will be missed by so many of us.
Andrew Hooper
January 13, 2006
May John Spencer rest in peace. A truly great actor and man, who held one of the most amazing TV produtions "The West Wing" together for 7 seasons. Truly inspiring and inspirational performances in every episode. Maybe you rest in peace john, you'l be missed.
Kevin C
January 12, 2006
Heartfelt condolences to John's family, friends and colleagues at this time.
S. Y. Chang
January 11, 2006
To the Family of John Spencer,
I was saddened to learn about the passing of John last month. He was an amazing and classy actor who will be deeply missed. I really admired his openess and honesty about his past, showing others help is out there. John will be greatly missed on "The West Wing" and I will never forget what an incredible actor he was.
Anita Kinder
January 11, 2006
I never miss an episode of 'The West Wing'. John Spencer was a remarkable actor and I loved his character. I will miss seeing him on this incredible show. Thank Goodness for the reruns.
Steve Roehr
January 11, 2006
John was a truly great man, and a wonderful actor. He was SO young for this tragedy to have occurred. He will be missed terribly. Peace John. and my condolences to his family.
Foster Fell
January 10, 2006
I had admired John's work in "LA Law," as well. But what an apotheosis for a career to portray this good man--and a good man in the highest level of government. Let us hope that life will imitate art (his art) in 2008. My condolences to his family and co-cast members.
CONOR KEYS
January 10, 2006
My deepest condolences to the family of one of our true legends. John's input into The West Wing was immeasurable and will be greatly missed the world over. May you Rest In Peace John
Diane Mansfield
January 9, 2006
John Spencer's portrayal of Leo McGarry was so very special. He will be missed by a graet many fans. The world is a poorer place without John Spencer in it. My thoughts are with the cast of WW and with his family. Thanks for many great memories
Karen
January 9, 2006
Thank you, John for sharing your gift with us. My deepest sympathy to your loved ones. You are missed.
Daisy
January 8, 2006
To a great man... rest in peace.
Ronald Martin
January 8, 2006
Loving wishes to all who respected the work and the man. God speed.
M Wilson
January 7, 2006
Loving wishes to all who respected the work and the man.
Nick UK
January 6, 2006
John Spencer was an actor who possesed a rare and magical talent. Through understanding, sympathy and intellectual brilliance he built characters who had a real truth, a real inner life. His role of "Leo" in the West Wing showed him to be an actor at the peak of his powers. As an actor myself the greatest compliment I could pay Mr Spencer is that his work always left me excited, enthused, inspired and awe struck at his depth of realism and wonderful timing and delivery.
We don't die as long as people remember us and in out hearts, in the inspiration we will find in the body of work he will never be gone. An actor's actor who left us far too soon.
Bobbi Stanley
January 3, 2006
I thought I was a bit of an idiot to feel such a loss at his passing.I did not know John Spencer,never met him but I felt such sorrow when I heard of his death.Then I began to read all of the many tributes that people like me who enjoyed his acting wrote about him.He made quite an impression and will be missed.I will miss his smile and twinkling eyes.God bless you!
Charlene Elins
January 1, 2006
To a great actor and a good man. You will be greatly missed.
God bless you.
Ellen Blanchette
December 31, 2005
I was so deeply saddened by the news that John Spenser had died. In some ways he will live on in the significant body of work he leaves behind, and while I mourn the loss of a great actor and good and kind person I am grateful that I can still watch his performances in tv and film. Leaving this legacy behind is no small feat. I heard John say in an interview that he loved Leo McGarry, that he was a better man than he was. I think he was being humble. An actor who takes risks and allows his vulnerabilities to show has true courage. He contributed to the dialogue about the issues raised in West Wing regarding his character's struggles. And to the extent that they reflected some things in his own life, this only increases the courage it took to put them into the character he played. In the end he comes off as one of the finest men, and actors, I've had the pleasure of watching, if not knowing personnally, and am sorry to see his life end so abruptly.
I hope his family, through their grief, will appreciate the great love we all have for him, and that we will all miss him greatly. My sympathy to his family and all those whose lives were touched by his presence.
kim
December 31, 2005
'Good night, sweet prince,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest'
pancha escalona
December 29, 2005
te extrañaremos...
Carrie
December 28, 2005
Thank you Mr. Spencer for all the joy you gave us. You will be missed.
I’m afraid my words can’t express my feelings, so forgive me if I use someone else’s.
“The deep pain that is felt at the death of every friendly soul arises from the feeling that there is in every individual something which is inexpressible, peculiar to him alone, and is, therefore, absolutely and irretrievably lost.” ~Arthur Schopenhauer
I will forever miss your smile.
God Bless
Sandi
December 28, 2005
So many times I've remarked to friends that I wish Jed Bartlett were truly our President. As others here have said, thank you for an unforgettable portrait of what a true American leader could be.
Matthew Ulmen
December 28, 2005
I just found out tonight about the death of this great man and it really hit hard. I first saw him in the movie the Rock and when I saw him in West Wing I was hooked. We've lost a good one but if we remember what we loved about Leo and his other characters we can carry on his memory.
Mark Bachenberg
December 28, 2005
It's how we would like our leaders to be
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