
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.
Awards & recognition
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2002
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2002
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2001
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2006 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2005 · nominated
Show all 14 awards →
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2004 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2004 · nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2003 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2003 · nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2002 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2002 · nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2001 · nominated
- Screen Actors Guild Award — Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series · 2001 · nominated
- Primetime Emmy Award — Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 2000 · nominated
Filmography31 titles

The West Wing

The Outer Limits

Miami Vice

The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

Law & Order

The Rock

Touched by an Angel

The Negotiator

L.A. Law

WarGames

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman

Spenser: For Hire

Saturday Night Live

Ravenous

Cop Land

Presumed Innocent

Sea of Love

Black Rain

Forget Paris

The Patty Duke Show

Twilight

Green Card

The Protector

Albino Alligator

Hiding Out

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

All Revved Up

Far from Home

In the Arms of a Killer

The View

From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One