
John Spencer
John Spencer (December 20, 1946 – December 16, 2005) was an American actor. He first gained recognition for his captivating performances on Broadway, particularly in The Great White Hope (1969). Spencer transitioned to film, showcasing his versatility in movies like The Rock (1996) and The Negotiator (1998). On television, Spencer had one of his first on-screen roles in The Patty Duke Show, and later became known as a main cast member on L.A. Law starting in its fifth season. His portrayal of White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing (1999-2006) brought widespread acclaim, earning him five Emmy Award nominations, including a win in 2002. Spencer passed away on December 16, 2005, at the age of 58.
52 acting credits
Acting · 52

Law & Order
1990

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
1962

Saturday Night Live
1975

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
1993

The West Wing
1999

Golden Globe Awards
1944

Miami Vice
1984

The View
1997

L.A. Law
1986

Touched by an Angel
1994

Tony Awards
1956

The Ellen DeGeneres Show
2003

Early Edition
1996

The Outer Limits
1995

Duckman
1994

Spenser: For Hire
1985

FX: The Series
1996

L.A. Doctors
1998

The Patty Duke Show
1963

The Negotiator
1998

The Rock
1996

Cop Land
1997

WarGames
1983

Black Rain
1989

Celebrity Poker Showdown
2003

Sea of Love
1989

The Protector
1985

Presumed Innocent
1990

Ravenous
1999

Trinity
1998

E! True Hollywood Story
1996

Green Card
1990

Twilight
1998

Forget Paris
1995

Albino Alligator
1997

Perry Mason: The Case of the Grimacing Governor
1994

Far from Home
1989

From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One
1992

When No One Would Listen
1992

Lesser Prophets
1997

Hiding Out
1987

Cafe Society
1997

All Revved Up
1998

The Verne Miller Story
1988

Cold Around the Heart
1997

Cocaine and Blue Eyes
1983

Key Exchange
1985

Simple Justice
1989
The Other Side of Victory
1979

Echoes
1982

In the Arms of a Killer
1992

Once Again
1987