7 Tearjerking TV Sitcom Tributes To Cast Members Who Died

For much of the duration of The West Wing, the character of Leo McGarry was one of the main focal points, acting as White House Chief of Staff. He was Martin Sheen's right-hand man, considered by some to be the one really in charge of the country. McGarry was ol' reliable. McGarry was the voice of reason.

When John Spencer passed away from a heart attack, a major plot line involving his character's run for vice presidency as part of the Democratic ticket was hastily rewritten. His character died of a heart attack on election night. He and Jimmy Smit's presidential nominee were supposed to lose the race, but the show's writers decided it would be appropriate to posthumously award his character the title of Vice President.

There is no fluff or pomp involved with the tribute to McGarry. In fact, there aren't many words spoken of him by any of the main characters. The funeral scene which opens up the episode is a simple sermon given by a pastor, with each of his friends and colleagues looking statuesquely somber. When the pall bearers (including Sheen) carry his casket, draped in the American flag, out of the church, it's unpretentious and truly affecting.