West Wing's John Spencer dies

John Spencer, wonderful actor on TV's West Wing, died of a heart attack this afternoon. It erie because his presidential chief of staff character nearly died of a heart attack during the 2004 series, but recovered enough to be the democrat vice president candidate this season.

BBB

'West Wing' actor John Spencer dies
By Bill Keveney, USA TODAY
LOS ANGELES

John Spencer, an Emmy-winning original cast member of NBC's The West Wing, died suddenly Friday morning of a heart attack, according to a statement released by his public relations firm.

Spencer, four days short of his 59th birthday, is best known to viewers as Leo McGarry, the chief of staff to West Wing President Josiah Bartlet (Martin Sheen). This season, McGarry was the vice presidential running mate for Democratic contender Matt Santos (Jimmy Smits).

Spencer's portrayal of McGarry, a tough politico and recovering alcoholic, earned him an Emmy for supporting actor in a drama in 2002. The character actor, a veteran of theater and film work, also received four other Emmy nominations for the role and a Golden Globe nomination.

The New Jersey native's earlier TV work included the role of streetwise attorney Tommy Mullaney on NBC's L.A. Law.

His film roles include Presumed Innocent, Black Rain and Sea of Love.

It wasn't clear Friday how Spencer's death would affect the remaining episodes of The West Wing this season.