The West Wing Cast: Where Are They Now?

26. John Spencer - Leo McGarry

Beginning on a sad note.

Leo McGarry was a stalwartly presence throughout the West Wing’s run, maintaining a fatherly relationship with the likes of Josh and C.J. and regularly serving as a voice of reason and reality in his roles as President Bartlet’s Chief of Staff and advisor. John Spencer’s portrayal resulted in him receiving Best Supporting Actor nominations at the Emmys for each of the show’s first five seasons, winning at the third time of asking in 2002.

In a case of art imitating life, Leo was written as a recovering alcoholic, drawing from Spencer’s own troubles with drink. In a more tragic case of life imitating art, he passed away from a heart attack in late 2005, just a year after his character had survived one on screen.

At the time of Spencer’s passing, Leo was positioned as the Democratic Vice Presidential nominee. His character died off-screen on the night of the election, which was supposedly rewritten to have them win after the original plans were for Alan Alda’s Arnold Vinick to emerge victorious.

Spencer’s role was taken by Sterling K. Brown in the show’s recent table read reunion, which featured a fitting tribute to his contribution to the show’s legacy.