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.

Filmography

• 1999Ravenous — General Slauson
• The West Wing — Leo McGarry
• 1998All Revved Up — Bill Gunter
• L.A. Doctors — Edmund Church
• 1998The Negotiator — Chief Al Travis
• Trinity — Simon McCallister
• 1998Twilight — Capt. Phil Egan
• 1997Albino Alligator — Jack
• 1997Cafe Society — Ray Davioni
• 1997Cold Around the Heart — Uncle Mike
• 1997Cop Land — Leo Crasky
• 1997Lesser Prophets — Ed
• E! True Hollywood Story
• Early Edition — Howard Banner
• FX: The Series — Carl Scofeld
• 1996The Rock — FBI Director James Womack
• 1995Forget Paris — Jack
• The Outer Limits — Col. Wallis Thurman
• Duckman — Agent Dennehy (voice)
• 1994Perry Mason: The Case of the Grimacing Governor — Al Rhinehart
• Touched by an Angel — Leo
• Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman — Mr. Gadget
• 1992From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One — Det. Mike Mulick
• 1992In the Arms of a Killer — Det. Vincent Cusack
• 1992When No One Would Listen — Walter Wheeler
• 1990Green Card — Harry
• Law & Order — Howard Morton
• 1990Presumed Innocent — Detective Dan Lipranzer
• 1989Black Rain — Oliver
• 1989Far from Home — TV Preacher
• 1989Sea of Love — Lieutenant
• 1989Simple Justice — Det. Phil Sullivan
• 1988The Verne Miller Story — George Sally
• 1987Hiding Out — Bakey
• 1987Once Again — Bobby Lupino
• L.A. Law — Tommy Mullaney
• 1985Key Exchange — Record Executive
• Spenser: For Hire — Joe Moran
• 1985The Protector — Ko's Pilot
• Miami Vice — Lt. Lee Atkins
• 1983Cocaine and Blue Eyes — Joey Crawford
• 1983WarGames — Jerry
• 1982Echoes — Stephen
• 1979The Other Side of Victory — Major Potter
• The Patty Duke Show — Henry

Appearances as themselves (8)

• 2004Cop Land: The Making of an Urban Western — Himself
• Celebrity Poker Showdown — Self
• The Ellen DeGeneres Show — Self
• The View — Self
• Saturday Night Live — Self (uncredited)
• The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson — Self
• Tony Awards — Self - Presenter
• Golden Globe Awards — Self - Nominee