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 onscreen roles in The Patty Duke Show and later became known as a main cast member on LA Law starting in its fifth season His portrayal of White House Chief of Staff Leo McGarry on The West Wing 19992006 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