'West Wing' Actor John Spencer Dies at 58 - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

bendsley · 12-16-2005, 07:55 PM

Story from MSNBC:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10498383/from/RL.2/

John Spencer, who played a tough and dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday. He was 58.

Spencer died after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital during the night, said his publicist, Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 on Tuesday.

He was "one of those rare combinations of divinely gifted and incredibly generous," said Richard Schiff, who plays Toby Ziegler on the NBC series.

"There are very few personal treasures that you put in your knapsack to carry with you for the rest of your life, and he's one of those," Schiff said. He said Spencer had been struggling with health issues but seemed to have rebounded.

Spencer played Leo McGarry, the savvy and powerful chief of staff to President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (Martin Sheen). In a sad parallel to life, Spencer's character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job.

McGarry recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign against Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) has been a central theme for the drama this season.

"John was an uncommonly good man, an exceptional role model and a brilliant actor," said Aaron Sorkin, who created the series, and Tommy Schlamme, one of the original executive producers, in a joint statement.

"We feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He'll be missed and remembered every day by his many, many friends," they said.

Actress Allison Janney, C.J. Cregg on the series, described Spencer as a consummate professional actor. "Everyone adored him," she said.

"We have all lost a dear, dear brother," said Bradley Whitford, who plays Josh Lyman.

NBC and producer Warner Bros. Television praised Spencer's talent but did not address how his death would affect the Emmy Award-winning series, in production on its seventh season.

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 series.

The actor, whose world-weary countenance was perfect for the role of McGarry, 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 at age 16, he was sharing classes with the likes of Liza Minnelli and budding violinist Pinchas Zukerman.

As a teenager, he 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."

Spencer played a streetwise lawyer on the David E. Kelley drama that was in sharp contrast to the show's otherwise glamorous cast and setting.

After attending the Manhattan performing arts school, Spencer studied at Fairleigh Dickenson University. He then began working on stage in New York and in regional theaters, in plays including David Mamet's "Lakeboat" and Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie."

Spencer won an Obie Award for the 1981 off-Broadway production of "Still Life," about a Vietnam veteran, and received a Drama Desk nomination for "The Day Room."

His made his feature film debut with a small role in "War Games," which was followed by roles in "Sea of Love" and "Black Rain." Spencer said his work in "Presumed Innocent" represented a "watershed role."

In recent years, he worked both in studio and independent films, including "The Rock," "The Negotiator," "Albino Alligator," "Lesser Prophets" and "Cold Heart."

Spencer, an only child, is survived by "cousins, aunts, uncles, and wonderful friends," Hofmann said.

SecretMethod70 · 12-17-2005, 03:50 AM

Thanks for the news bendsley...what are your own thoughts on it though?

Me, I don't watch West Wing, but my parents do so I've picked up on things here and there. I sort of know the characters a bit and I'm familiar enough to be surprised by this. He looked like he was in very good health the few times I saw him, and he seemed like a pretty good actor too. Perhaps it's not as much of a surprise to people who are more familiar with him and his work, but I was definitely surprised to find out about this. As much as I don't watch West Wing, I enjoyed him on screen when I did see little bits here and there, and I think it's unfortunate that we will miss out on his talent in the future.

As for the show, I'm curious...was/is he still on? Any idea how they're planning on handling this?

maleficent · 12-17-2005, 05:40 AM

Two seasons ago- the writers gave his character a massive heart attack... Right now they have him running with Jimmy smits as the vice presidential candidate...

I really liked him as an actor and has been a great character actor over the years... Really is too bad...

Kadath · 12-17-2005, 10:23 AM

Shit....I really liked him a lot. This is going to make my gf really sad.

As for his character, I don't know if Smits is going to win, so it may have been a moot point. How much of the season is complete (filming wise) right now?

Willravel · 12-17-2005, 11:01 AM

He will be missed.

Vales419 · 12-17-2005, 02:18 PM

I liked him as an actor. First movie I saw him in was War Games, he plays one of the missle commanders in the begining of the movie. Also, he was in "The Rock" played Agent Wolmack or something like that. I didn't watch to much of the west wing, but I heard that he was really good in it.

V.

Lucifer · 12-17-2005, 04:03 PM

He was great in it. The show won't be the same without him.

Daval · 12-17-2005, 05:06 PM

I was really suprised to hear this on the radio earlier today. He was one of my favourite characters on the show and Its sad to hear of his passing.

It will be interesting to see how they handle his death in the storyline, his character was very central - the death of a running mate will definately mix things up and rewrite a whole pile of scripts with the choosing of a new candidate.

I wonder how many episodes in advance they have filmed, and if they will scrap any of those and re-do them to address his untimely death.

guy44 · 12-18-2005, 09:47 PM

That's really sad. He was a great actor, and I always felt his Leo McGarry exuded an amazing degree of world-weariness and savvy. A great character in one of my favorite shows. I'll miss him for sure.

maleficent · 12-19-2005, 07:47 AM

West Wing Challenged by Death

Quote:

LOS ANGELES, California (Hollywood Reporter) -- The death on Friday of actor John Spencer, a cornerstone of the ensemble on "The West Wing" since its 1999 debut, is sure to send the show's writing team back to the drawing board for the second half of what could be the show's final season.

Spencer's character, former Bartlet administration chief of staff turned vice presidential candidate Leo McGarry, has played a key role in the election-year story line of the Emmy-winning White House drama this season. McGarry is now the running mate of fiery liberal Democratic congressman Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits, one of the candidates vying to succeed Martin Sheen's President Josiah Bartlet in the fictional Oval Office.

Another complication for "West Wing" writers in dealing with the real-life drama of Spencer's death from a heart attack at age 58 is the fact that his character was seen in a flash-forward sequence set three years in the future in the sixth season "West Wing" opener that aired in September. (In an eerie life-meets-art parallel, Spencer's character suffered a heart attack last season but recovered quickly enough to take on a bruising presidential campaign.)

"West Wing" was on a scheduled production hiatus for the holidays at the time of Spencer's death -- the actor died less than a day after he checked into a Los Angeles hospital with a bad cold, according to his publicist. Writers and producers for the series are expected to gather this week to decide how to handle the remainder of the season, a studio spokeswoman said.

Spencer appeared in seven of the 14 episodes of "West Wing" has completed for its sixth season as of last week, according to "West Wing" producer Warner Bros. Television. Nine of those 14 episodes have already aired; "West Wing" isn't scheduled to air a new episode until January. (Warner Bros. Television is a division of Time Warner, as is CNN.)

At its peak, "The West Wing" ranked among primetime's most-watched series, but the much-praised drama has struggled ratings-wise during the past few seasons. This fall, the show relocated from its longtime home on Wednesday to the Sunday 8 p.m. slot, where it has ranked 50th among network primetime series with an average of 8.2 million viewers and a 2.3 rating/5 share in the adults 18-49 demographic. As such, "West Wing" was already seen as a long shot to be renewed for a seventh year next fall.

The challenge now facing the "West Wing's" creative team recalls the situation producers of "The Sopranos" dealt with in 2000 following the death of Nancy Marchand, who played the pivotal role of villainous mob matriarch Livia Soprano. To wrap up her story line, "Sopranos" producers used old pieces of dialogue and CGI techniques to briefly insert Marchand's face on a body double.

In late December 2004, "Law & Order" veteran Jerry Orbach died shortly before the premiere of the NBC spinoff "Law & Order: Trial by Jury." Producers and the network decided to air the episodes in which Orbach was featured, though the show ultimately proved short-lived.

Actor John Ritter died in September 2003 on the eve of the sophomore-season debut of his promising ABC comedy "8 Simple Rules." Producers decided to reflect real life by writing the lead character's shocking death into the story line. "8 Simple Rules" continued for two more seasons but never regained the ratings momentum it lost along with its star.

will be interesting to see what happens

micah67 · 12-19-2005, 09:10 AM

I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I only know him through The West Wing but have grown to love that show so much that news felt personal. As to the make/break for the show, it is in the middle of a forced transition (closing out the current administration) and I think this loss will play only a small part in how the show rebounds.

fnaqzna · 12-20-2005, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

West Wing Challenged by Death

will be interesting to see what happens

I don't think the show will see an 8th season anyway. They jumped the shark with that live debate bit.

12-16-2005, 07:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
bendsley Professional Loafer Location: texas	'West Wing' Actor John Spencer Dies at 58 Story from MSNBC:http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10498383/from/RL.2/ John Spencer, who played a tough and dedicated politico on "The West Wing" who survived a serious illness to run for vice president, died of a heart attack Friday. He was 58. Spencer died after being admitted to a Los Angeles hospital during the night, said his publicist, Ron Hofmann. He would have been 59 on Tuesday. He was "one of those rare combinations of divinely gifted and incredibly generous," said Richard Schiff, who plays Toby Ziegler on the NBC series. "There are very few personal treasures that you put in your knapsack to carry with you for the rest of your life, and he's one of those," Schiff said. He said Spencer had been struggling with health issues but seemed to have rebounded. Spencer played Leo McGarry, the savvy and powerful chief of staff to President Josiah "Jed" Bartlet (Martin Sheen). In a sad parallel to life, Spencer's character suffered a heart attack that forced him to give up his White House job. McGarry recovered and was picked as a running mate for Democratic presidential contender Matt Santos, played by Jimmy Smits; the campaign against Republican Arnold Vinick (Alan Alda) has been a central theme for the drama this season. "John was an uncommonly good man, an exceptional role model and a brilliant actor," said Aaron Sorkin, who created the series, and Tommy Schlamme, one of the original executive producers, in a joint statement. "We feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He'll be missed and remembered every day by his many, many friends," they said. Actress Allison Janney, C.J. Cregg on the series, described Spencer as a consummate professional actor. "Everyone adored him," she said. "We have all lost a dear, dear brother," said Bradley Whitford, who plays Josh Lyman. NBC and producer Warner Bros. Television praised Spencer's talent but did not address how his death would affect the Emmy Award-winning series, in production on its seventh season. 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 series. The actor, whose world-weary countenance was perfect for the role of McGarry, 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 at age 16, he was sharing classes with the likes of Liza Minnelli and budding violinist Pinchas Zukerman. As a teenager, he 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." Spencer played a streetwise lawyer on the David E. Kelley drama that was in sharp contrast to the show's otherwise glamorous cast and setting. After attending the Manhattan performing arts school, Spencer studied at Fairleigh Dickenson University. He then began working on stage in New York and in regional theaters, in plays including David Mamet's "Lakeboat" and Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie." Spencer won an Obie Award for the 1981 off-Broadway production of "Still Life," about a Vietnam veteran, and received a Drama Desk nomination for "The Day Room." His made his feature film debut with a small role in "War Games," which was followed by roles in "Sea of Love" and "Black Rain." Spencer said his work in "Presumed Innocent" represented a "watershed role." In recent years, he worked both in studio and independent films, including "The Rock," "The Negotiator," "Albino Alligator," "Lesser Prophets" and "Cold Heart." Spencer, an only child, is survived by "cousins, aunts, uncles, and wonderful friends," Hofmann said. __________________ "You hear the one about the fella who died, went to the pearly gates? St. Peter let him in. Sees a guy in a suit making a closing argument. Says, "Who's that?" St. Peter says, "Oh, that's God. Thinks he's Denny Crane."

12-17-2005, 03:50 AM	#2 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	Thanks for the news bendsley...what are your own thoughts on it though? Me, I don't watch West Wing, but my parents do so I've picked up on things here and there. I sort of know the characters a bit and I'm familiar enough to be surprised by this. He looked like he was in very good health the few times I saw him, and he seemed like a pretty good actor too. Perhaps it's not as much of a surprise to people who are more familiar with him and his work, but I was definitely surprised to find out about this. As much as I don't watch West Wing, I enjoyed him on screen when I did see little bits here and there, and I think it's unfortunate that we will miss out on his talent in the future. As for the show, I'm curious...was/is he still on? Any idea how they're planning on handling this? __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

12-17-2005, 05:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Two seasons ago- the writers gave his character a massive heart attack... Right now they have him running with Jimmy smits as the vice presidential candidate... I really liked him as an actor and has been a great character actor over the years... Really is too bad... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

12-17-2005, 10:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kadath Muffled Location: Camazotz	Shit....I really liked him a lot. This is going to make my gf really sad. As for his character, I don't know if Smits is going to win, so it may have been a moot point. How much of the season is complete (filming wise) right now? __________________ it's quiet in here

12-17-2005, 02:18 PM	#6 (permalink)
Vales419 Crazy Location: Purgatory	I liked him as an actor. First movie I saw him in was War Games, he plays one of the missle commanders in the begining of the movie. Also, he was in "The Rock" played Agent Wolmack or something like that. I didn't watch to much of the west wing, but I heard that he was really good in it. V. __________________ "Here's ten bucks, bring me the head of Barry Manilow" --Dr. Denis Leary

12-17-2005, 11:01 AM	#5 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	He will be missed.

12-17-2005, 04:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
Lucifer Husband of Seamaiden Location: Nova Scotia	He was great in it. The show won't be the same without him. __________________ I am a brother to dragons, and a companion to owls. - Job 30:29 1123, 6536, 5321

12-17-2005, 05:06 PM	#8 (permalink)
Daval Junkie Location: The True North Strong and Free!	I was really suprised to hear this on the radio earlier today. He was one of my favourite characters on the show and Its sad to hear of his passing. It will be interesting to see how they handle his death in the storyline, his character was very central - the death of a running mate will definately mix things up and rewrite a whole pile of scripts with the choosing of a new candidate. I wonder how many episodes in advance they have filmed, and if they will scrap any of those and re-do them to address his untimely death. __________________ "It is impossible to obtain a conviction for sodomy from an English jury. Half of them don't believe that it can physically be done, and the other half are doing it." Winston Churchill

12-18-2005, 09:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
guy44 Somnabulist Location: corner of No and Where	That's really sad. He was a great actor, and I always felt his Leo McGarry exuded an amazing degree of world-weariness and savvy. A great character in one of my favorite shows. I'll miss him for sure. __________________ "You have reached Ritual Sacrifice. For goats press one, or say 'goats.'"

12-19-2005, 09:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
micah67 Thor Location: 33:08:12N 117:10:23W	I was shocked and saddened to hear of his passing. I only know him through The West Wing but have grown to love that show so much that news felt personal. As to the make/break for the show, it is in the middle of a forced transition (closing out the current administration) and I think this loss will play only a small part in how the show rebounds. __________________ ~micah