John Spencer (December 20, 1946 – December 16, 2005)

Just four days shy of his 59th birthday; John Spencer suffered a heart attack. It was eerily reminiscent of a storyline last season on the West Wing where his character suffered a heart attack and nearly died. Unfortunately, in life we don’t get to write the ending and sadly he has died.

Though he is probably most famous for his role as Leo McGarry on the West Wing, I remember him fondly from my childhood from two movies; Wargames and Hiding Out. Though the roles were small, he always stood out to me in those two movies.

His patriarchal role on the West Wing will not easily be filled. There is some speculation that NBC will be forced to recast his part since he has appeared in a scene three years in the future and is currently running for Vice President. I doubt they could find an actor who could capture the magic he brought to the role.

Rest in peace John Spencer, you will be missed. But you will live on in the characters that you so expertly brought to life.