John Spencer
Biography
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.
Known For

Law & Order

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Saturday Night Live

The West Wing

The View

Golden Globe Awards

Miami Vice

Tony Awards
All Movies (30)
- Ravenous1999 · as General Slauson
- The Negotiator1998 · as Chief Al Travis
- All Revved Up1998 · as Bill Gunter
- Twilight1998 · as Capt. Phil Egan
- Lesser Prophets1997 · as Ed
- Cold Around the Heart1997 · as Uncle Mike
- Cop Land1997 · as Leo Crasky
- Cafe Society1997 · as Ray Davioni
- Albino Alligator1997 · as Jack
- The Rock1996 · as FBI Director James Womack
- Forget Paris1995 · as Jack
- Perry Mason: The Case of the Grimacing Governor1994 · as Al Rhinehart
- From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One1992 · as Det. Mike Mulick
- When No One Would Listen1992 · as Walter Wheeler
- In the Arms of a Killer1992 · as Det. Vincent Cusack
- Green Card1990 · as Harry
- Presumed Innocent1990 · as Detective Dan Lipranzer
- Simple Justice1989 · as Det. Phil Sullivan
- Black Rain1989 · as Oliver
- Sea of Love1989 · as Lieutenant
- Far from Home1989 · as TV Preacher
- The Verne Miller Story1988 · as George Sally
- Once Again1987 · as Bobby Lupino
- Hiding Out1987 · as Bakey
- Key Exchange1985 · as Record Executive
- The Protector1985 · as Ko's Pilot
- WarGames1983 · as Jerry
- Cocaine and Blue Eyes1983 · as Joey Crawford
- Echoes1982 · as Stephen
- The Other Side of Victory1979 · as Major Potter
All TV Shows (22)
- Celebrity Poker Showdown2003 · as Self
- The Ellen DeGeneres Show2003 · as Self
- The West Wing1999 · as Leo McGarry
- Trinity1998 · as Simon McCallister
- L.A. Doctors1998 · as Edmund Church
- The View1997 · as Self
- Early Edition1996 · as Howard Banner
- FX: The Series1996 · as Carl Scofeld
- E! True Hollywood Story1996
- The Outer Limits1995 · as Col. Wallis Thurman
- Touched by an Angel1994 · as Leo
- Duckman1994 · as Agent Dennehy (voice)
- Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman1993 · as Mr. Gadget
- Law & Order1990 · as Howard Morton
- L.A. Law1986 · as Tommy Mullaney
- Spenser: For Hire1985 · as Joe Moran
- Miami Vice1984 · as Lt. Lee Atkins
- Saturday Night Live1975 · as Self (uncredited)
- The Patty Duke Show1963 · as Henry
- The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson1962 · as Self
- Tony Awards1956 · as Self - Presenter
- Golden Globe Awards1944 · as Self - Nominee