John Spencer... RIP

[Guest thebigjig]

 

Los Angeles (December 16, 2005) John Spencer, the Emmy-winning actor best-known for starring roles in such popular television series as "The West Wing," and "L.A. Law" has passed away at 58 after suffering a heart attack in the morning of December 16. Service and funeral arrangements have not been determined at this time.

 

The versatile character actor is perhaps best known for his role as Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on "The West Wing." His work on the show was rewarded with an Emmy Award win for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2002 and nominations in 2000, 2001, 2003 and 2004. He also has a Golden Globe nomination under his belt for his role as Leo. Earlier noted work includes his portrayal of the quirky and charismatic New York attorney Tommy Mullaney on "L.A. Law."

 

Spencer began his professional acting career at age sixteen when he left his home in Patterson, New Jersey to pursue his passion. While attending Professional Children's School in the city, he earned catalog modeling jobs, leading to his first television role as Henry Anderson, the boyfriend of the English twin on "The Patty Duke Show." Following high school, Spencer enrolled at Fairleigh Dickenson University, earning a consistent spot on the Dean's List.

 

He returned to New York to understudy the lead in Butterflies Are Free, a role he subsequently played on tour. Regional theatre opened up for Spencer, leading him to seek out new plays by new playwrights and providing him entry into the New York theatre scene. From 1974-81 he performed in such stage works as David Mamet's Lakeboat, Michael Weller's Fishing and Loose Ends, John Hopkins' This Story of Yours, and the gentleman caller in Tennessee William's The Glass Menagerie and Still Life. The latter production, about a Vietnam vet, went on to earn Spencer an Obie Award during its off-Broadway run in 1981. A Drama Desk nomination later came for his performance in The Day Room. He also portrayed Dan White in the critically acclaimed production of Execution of Justice. Other stage appearances include Terrence McNally's Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Peter Hedges' Good as New, Amulets Against the Dragon Forces, and Pera Palas among others.

 

When Still Life came to the Los Angeles stage, Spencer opened a new door with his first feature film role - a bit part as a military grunt who won't push "the button" during the opening scene of War Games. His natural charisma and strength led to authority roles: Al Pacino's boss in Sea of Love and Michael Douglas' in Black Rain, with Harrison Ford as Detective Lipranzer in Presumed Innocent ("a watershed role," said Spencer), Billy Crystal's basketball referee friend in Forget Paris, Harvey Keitel's partner in Copland. More recently Spencer has moved between studio and independent projects, taking roles in Cafe Society, Albino Alligator, Lesser Prophets, Ravenous, Cold Heart, and Green Card while coming down - usually - on the side of the law in The Rock, Twilight, and The Negotiator.

 

After seeing his work in Presumed Innocent, producer David E. Kelley invited Spencer to join the cast of "L.A. Law" for the final four of its eight-year run. From 1990-94 he mesmerized audiences with his tough, funny portrayal of Tommy Mullaney, reinvigorating the series and solidifying his reputation as a preeminent character actor. Spencer appeared in the highly rated telefilm, "The Tangled Web," starred in Joseph Wambaugh's "A Jury of One" and guest starred on such episodic series as "Miami Vice," "Spenser for Hire," "Law & Order," "Touched By An Angel," "The Outer Limits," "FX," "Early Edition," "Lois & Clark" and "Tracey Takes On..." He also portrayed Simon McCallister on the drama "Trinity."

 

A few years ago he created the role of ex-jazz musician, ex-junkie Martin Glimmer in the world premiere of Warren Leight's The Glimmer Brothers at the Williamstown Theater Festival. Spencer played the part of Martin Glimmer in Glimmer, Glimmer and Shine (same play, new title) in Los Angeles at the Mark Taper Forum and the Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City to rave reviews.

 

Known for his dedication, authenticity and generosity as an actor, John was always quick to share his success as an actor with the tremendous good fortune of working with the world's finest writers and actors. From David E. Kelly to Warren Leight to his recent collaboration with Aaron Sorkin and John Wells, actors Martin Sheen to Stockard Channing, to Harrison Ford to Al Pacino, he would always credit his fellow actors and the words on the page for allowing him to stretch as an actor.

[bobobrazil1984 0]

I just saw this now.

Leo's dead!?

 

HOLY FUCKING SHIT!

 

that's terrible. The man was awesome on West Wing, really the heart of that show. Fuck, man. Fuck.

[devo 0]

Well, shit. This is pretty disappointing, as Spencer was one of the best parts of The West Wing, engaging and funny while not getting preachy and overblown as some characters on the show tend to do. Very sorry to see him go.

[tommytomlin 0]

This sucks. Leo was my favourite character on the West Wing, and one of the most well-constructed, sympathetic characters on television. John Spencer could damn sure act.

[Vern Gagne 0]

Wonder what it means for the show?

 

I'd guess the Jimmy Smits character was going to win the fake election.

[MDH257 0]

 

This really sucks.

[Lord of The Curry 0]

He called Sean Connery a cocksucker in The Rock. I'll miss him.

[Edwin MacPhisto 0]

Spencer was always one of my favorite smarmy cop character-actors. The Rock, The Negotiator, Cop Land...he did that shit well. Too bad.

[Dr. Tyler; Captain America 0]

Very sad. As a West Wing fan, I'll miss watching his acting. Leo was definitely one of the best characters on the show and he will definitely be missed.

[Vern Gagne 0]

I'm calling it right now.

 

Smits-President

Alda-Vice President

[Anakin Flair 0]

Didn't Leo have a massive heart-attack on the show? If so, that's kinda creepy.

 

He was one of the best parts of that show, and a damn fine actor. He will be missed.