LOS ANGELES - John Spencer, who played a dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday, his publicist said. Spencer, 58, died at a Los Angeles hospital, said publicist Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 next week.
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
I recently completed watching West Wing on Netflix; not once but twice and thoroughly enjoyed John Spencer in the role of Leo McGarry. I was saddened by his passing not only as Leo McGarry but in real life too. He was very genuine and believable in this role and I shed tears at his passing. Thank you, Mr. Spencer, for your dedication and superb acting.
Barbara Bellini
January 13, 2026 | Woodland, CA | Acquaintance
Role model of a gentleman
Johann Engelhardt
January 11, 2026 | Calgary, AB | Friend
Such a gentleman
October 19, 2025
John's friendship was a gift. He was a star in our lives long before Hollywood made him one.
Adam and Susan Jacunski
July 05, 2025 | NC | Friend
i think leo was a great character on the west wing. i have watched the entire series multiple times.
November 28, 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.
Peter R
November 17, 2024
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.
john godfrey
September 20, 2018 | Worthing Uk
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...
Maggi Crowston-Boaler
March 02, 2017 | Nottingham, UK
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.
Ryan Tercero
August 01, 2016 | Regina, SK