Rest in Peace John Spencer

Some very sad news to report tonight. John Spencer, who was best known for playing Leo McGarry on The West Wing, died of a heart attack in an LA hospital on Friday. Wow…this is a shocker. I’m a huge fan of The West Wing, and have really enjoyed the reemergence of Leo as Matt Santos’s running mate. John Spencer has always been one of the best things about the show, and he and his character will be missed. In a joint statement, The West Wing series creator, Aaron Sorkin, and Executive Producer, Tommy Schlamme, had this to say about Spencer:

“John was an uncommonly good man, an exceptional role model and a brilliant actor. We feel privileged to have known him and worked with him. He’ll be missed and remembered every day by his many, many friends.”

Co-star Allison Janney, who plays CJ Cregg, 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. Not that this matters at all right now, but show producers have not yet said how Spencer’s death would affect the show.
Spencer would have turned 59 next week. Rest in Peace John Spencer. You will be missed.