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John Spencer (December 20, 1946 – December 16, 2005) was an American actor. He was best known for playing White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on the successful television series The West Wing .
Dec 17, 2005 · LOS ANGELES — John Spencer, 58, 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.
John Spencer was born John Speshock III in Paterson, New Jersey, the only son of Mildred (Benzeroski), a homemaker and occasional waitress, and John Speshock, a truck driver. He grew up near Paterson, New Jersey, and left at age 16 to attend the Professional Children's School. In 1963, he landed a recurring role on The Patty Duke Show (1963).
Nov 4, 2019 · By Lynn Elber. Actor John Spencer, who played the role of Leo McGarry in "The West Wing," mirrored his character in several ways: Both were recovering alcoholics and both were driven.
Feb 10, 2024 · Summary. Leo McGarry's death in The West Wing was inspired by the real-life death of actor John Spencer, who played the character. The loss was deeply felt by both the cast and the characters in the series. Leo McGarry was not only President Bartlet's Chief of Staff but also his best friend, making his death a significant plot point in the show.
Dec 17, 2005 · John Spencer, the actor who played a tough, dedicated politician who survived a coronary illness to run for vice president in TV drama The West Wing, has died of a heart attack. Spencer (58) died ...
Dec 16, 2005 · Maintained by: Find a Grave. Originally Created by: sushmonger. Added: Dec 16, 2005. Find a Grave Memorial ID: 12709665. Source citation. Actor. He is best remembered for his television roles as White House Chief-of-Staff 'Leo McGarry' from the NBC drama series The West Wing, and as defense attorney 'Tommy Mullaney' from L.A. Law (1990-1994).
