John Spencer Picture
STARmeter
Top 5000
Up 332 this week

John Spencer (I) (1946–2005)

Actor

John was the only son of a lower middle-class family. His father, John Speshock, was a truck driver. His mother, Mildred, was a homemaker and an occasional waitress. He grew up near Paterson, New Jersey, but left at age 16 to attend the Professional Children's School. In 1963, he landed a recurring role on The Patty Duke Show... See full bio »

Born:

John Speshock
in New York City, New York, USA

Died:

(age 58) in Los Angeles, California, USA
John Spencer Still of Harvey Keitel, Robert Patrick, Arthur J. Nascarella and John Spencer in Cop Land Allison Janney and John Spencer John Spencer John Spencer and Patricia Mariano John Spencer
27 photos | 20 videos | 38 news articles »

Quick Links:

Related News

10 wrongfully convicted action movie heroes
15 January 2013 7:25 AM, PST | Den of Geek
The best awards show category ever: The Golden Globe for Best Supporting TV Actor and Actress
12 January 2013 5:47 AM, PST | EW.com - PopWatch
Tonight's MovieMovie: Presumed Innocent Starring Harrison Ford
22 December 2012 5:30 AM, PST | ReelzChannel
See all 38 related articles »
Create a list  »

Related Lists

image of name
My favorite 50 actors
a list of 50 people by Jimmy Roland created 03 Feb 2011
 
image of name
"THAT GUY!"
a list of 266 people by Bob_the_Hobo created 11 May 2011
 
image of name
Actors who died in the middle of a TV series
a list of 23 people by quartertwain created 10 months ago
 
image of name
The Most Unbelievable Deaths of this Millennium
a list of 85 people by vhavnal created 20 Jul 2011
 
image of name
Great actors with a great thirst
a list of 56 people by Martin_Sloan created 21 Apr 2012
 
See all related lists »

Do you have a demo reel?

Add it to your IMDbPage

My Demo Reel -- Includes clips from GLORY DAZE, COMMUNITY and horror film URBAN EXPLORER.

My Demo Reel

Melanie Molnar - Reel -- No description provided.

Melanie Molnar - Reel

Francine Locke Film Reel -- Family Law (Best Actress, Gideon), Stealing Home (Best Supporting Actress-nom.) 168 Project, True Tale Monster (Albert P. Weisman Award), The Discarded (2011 Feature Release).

Francine Locke Film Reel

David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama -- On-camera drama reel featuring David H. Lawrence XVII, in scenes from Heroes, The Unit, LOST, and more

David H. Lawrence, XVII - Drama

Franklin Ojeda Smith - -- "...back in the day the 'barb wire' was more visible" and early on I chose baseball over acting; then academia and not baseball. Now,"...the kids are grown, the dog is dead and now that I may, I choose acting." Please take a look: 1)Boardwalk Empire - Deacon Cuffy 2)Murder Incorporated - Sam Christenson 3)Cayman Went - Aniston Turnkey 4)Letting Go -Therapist 5)Footsteps in the Sand - Jim. Thank You! Franklin

Franklin Ojeda Smith -


Find out more at IMDbPro »

Connect with IMDb

Take The Quiz!

Test your knowledge of John Spencer.
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 4 wins & 9 nominations See more awards »

Known For


Show Show all  | 
Show by:
Edit

Filmography

Jump to: Actor | Self | Archive Footage
Hide HideActor (50 titles)
1999-2006 The West Wing (TV series)
Leo McGarry
– Tomorrow (2006) … Leo McGarry (credit only)
– Institutional Memory (2006) … Leo McGarry (credit only)
– The Last Hurrah (2006) … Leo McGarry (credit only)
– Transition (2006) … Leo McGarry (credit only)
– Requiem (2006) … Leo McGarry (credit only)
See all 154 episodes »
 
1999 The Outer Limits (TV series)
Col. Wallis Thurman
– Summit (1999) … Col. Wallis Thurman
 
1999 L.A. Doctors (TV series)
Dr. Edmund Church
– The Life Lost in Living (1999) … Dr. Edmund Church
 
1999 Ravenous
Gen. Slauson
 
1998 Trinity (TV series)
Simon McCallister
– No Secrets (1998) … Simon McCallister
– In a Yellow Wood (1998) … Simon McCallister
– Pilot (1998) … Simon McCallister
 
1998 The Negotiator
Chief Al Travis
 
1998 O.K. Garage
Bill Gunter
 
1998 Twilight
Capt. Phil Egan
 
1997 Lesser Prophets
Ed
 
1997 Cold Around the Heart
Uncle Mike
 
1997 Early Edition (TV series)
Howard Banner
– Jenny Sloane (1997) … Howard Banner
 
1997 Cop Land
Leo Crasky
 
1997 Tracey Takes On... (TV series)
Ray Weggerly
– Crime (1997) … Ray Weggerly
 
1997 Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (TV series)
Hank Landry / Mr. Gadget
– Lethal Weapon (1997) … Hank Landry / Mr. Gadget
 
1996 F/X: The Series (TV series)
Carl Scofeld
– High Risk (1996) … Carl Scofeld
 
1996 Albino Alligator
Jack
 
1996 The Rock
F.B.I. Director Womack
 
1996 Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom (Video Game)
Capt. Hugh Paulsen
 
1995 Touched by an Angel (TV series)
Leo
– The Driver (1995) … Leo
 
1995 Cafe Society
Ray Davioni
 
1995 Forget Paris
Jack
 
1994 A Perry Mason Mystery: The Case of the Grimacing Governor (TV movie)
Al Rhinehart
 
1990-1994 L.A. Law (TV series)
Tommy Mullaney
– Finish Line (1994) … Tommy Mullaney
– Whistle Stop (1994) … Tommy Mullaney
– How Am I Driving? (1994) … Tommy Mullaney
– Tunnel of Love (1994) … Tommy Mullaney
– Dead Issue (1994) … Tommy Mullaney
See all 83 episodes »
 
1994 Duckman: Private Dick/Family Man (TV series)
Agent Dennehy
– Not So Easy Riders (1994) … Agent Dennehy (voice)
 
1992 From the Files of Joseph Wambaugh: A Jury of One (TV movie)
Mike Mulick
 
1992 When No One Would Listen (TV movie)
Walter Wheeler
 
1992 In the Arms of a Killer (TV movie)
Det. Vincent Cusack
 
1990 Green Card
Harry
 
1990 Law & Order (TV series)
Howard Morton
– Prescription for Death (1990) … Howard Morton
 
1990 Presumed Innocent
Det. Lipranzer
 
1990 H.E.L.P. (TV series)
Valery
– Are You There, Alpha Centauri? (1990) … Valery
– Fire Down Below (1990) … Valery
 
1989 Simple Justice
Det. Phil Sullivan
 
1989 Black Rain
Oliver
 
1989 Sea of Love
Lieutenant
 
1989 Far from Home
TV Preacher
 
1988 Another World (TV series)
Mr. Julian
 
1988 As the World Turns (TV series)
Don West
 
1987 One Life to Live (TV series)
Evan Sutton
 
1987 Hiding Out
Bakey
 
1987 The Verne Miller Story
George Sally
 
1986 Spenser: For Hire (TV series)
Joe Moran
– Home Is the Hero (1986) … Joe Moran
 
1986 Miami Vice (TV series)
Lt. Lee Atkins
– The Good Collar (1986) … Lt. Lee Atkins
 
1985 Key Exchange
Record Executive
 
1985 The Protector
Ko's Pilot
 
1983 WarGames
Jerry
 
1983 Cocaine and Blue Eyes (TV movie)
Joey Crawford
 
1983 Echoes
Stephen
 
1979 Meteor
Control Center Worker (uncredited)
 
1976 Ryan's Hope (TV series)
Doctor / Orderly
– Episode #1.316 (1976) … Doctor (uncredited)
– Episode #1.158 (1976) … Doctor/Orderly (uncredited)
 
1963-1964 The Patty Duke Show (TV series)
Henry
– How to Succeed in Romance (1964) … Henry (uncredited)
– The Greatest Psychologist in the World (1964) … Henry (uncredited)
– Pen Pals (1964) … Henry (uncredited)
– Going Steady (1964) … Henry (uncredited)
– Horoscope (1964) … Henry (uncredited)
See all 7 episodes »
 
Show ShowSelf (23 titles)
2010 For Love of Liberty: The Story of America's Black Patriots (TV documentary) (voice)
 
2005 Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 6 April 2005 (2005) … Himself
 
2004 Tavis Smiley (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 14 October 2004 (2004) … Himself
 
2004 The Wayne Brady Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 11 February 2004 (2004) … Himself
 
2001-2004 Intimate Portrait (TV series documentary)
Himself
– Stockard Channing (2004) … Himself
– Patty Duke (2001) … Himself
 
2003 Celebrity Poker Showdown (TV series)
Himself
– Tournament 1, Game 2 (2003) … Himself
 
2003 The 57th Annual Tony Awards (TV special)
Himself - Presenter
 
2003 100 Years of Hope and Humor (TV special)
Himself
 
2003 The 60th Annual Golden Globe Awards (TV special)
Himself - Nominee: Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
 
2002 Every Moment Counts (TV documentary)
Narrator
 
2002 Saturday Night Live (TV series)
Himself
– Al Gore/Phish (2002) … Himself (uncredited)
 
2002 The West Wing Documentary Special (TV documentary)
Leo McGarry
 
2001 The 53rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special)
 
2000-2001 The Rosie O'Donnell Show (TV series)
Himself
– Episode dated 23 May 2001 (2001) … Himself
– Episode dated 6 June 2000 (2000) … Himself
 
2001 Charlie Rose (TV series)
Himself - Guest
– Episode dated 15 May 2001 (2001) … Himself - Guest
 
2000 Celebrity Dish (TV series)
Himself
 
1994 Golden Globes 50th Anniversary Celebration (TV movie)
Himself
 
1993 The 19th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV special)
Himself - Accepting Award for Favourite Dramatic Television Series
 
1992 The 8th Annual Soap Opera Digest Awards (TV movie)
Himself - Presenter
 
1992 The 18th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV special)
Himself - Accepting Award for Favourite Drama Series
 
1991 The 43rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special)
Himself - Audience Member
 
1991 The 17th Annual People's Choice Awards (TV special)
Himself - Accepting Award for Favourite Television Dramatic Series
 
1989 The More You Know (TV series)
Himself
 
Show ShowArchive Footage (4 titles)
2008 President Hollywood (TV documentary)
Leo McGarry (uncredited)
 
2008 Kenny & vänner (TV series)
 
2006 The 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (TV special)
Himself - Memorial Tribute
 
2006 Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (TV series)
 

Related Videos

Far from Home -- Drew Barrymore plays a 14-year-old girl on a cross-country vacation with her journalist father. When the two run out of gas in a small Nevada town, they must stay in a run-down trailer park where she attracts the attention of two local adolescent boys. The Outer Limits: Season 5: Episode 13 -- Negotiators for Earth and Dregocia, a planet populated by a genetically-engineered race, struggle to re-establish a fragile trust after a summit goes terribly wrong. Albino Alligator -- Trailer
See all 20 »
Edit

Personal Details

Other Works:

TV commercial (voice) for AIM Funds (2001) See more »

Publicity Listings:

2 Interviews  | 9 Articles  | See more »

Height:

5' 6½" (1.69 m)
Edit

Did You Know?

Personal Quote:

They [his parents] wanted me to be educated -- a doctor or a lawyer. They weren't happy that I chose the arts. They wanted me to have a good life. It's ironic that I made the leap in a different way. See more »

Trivia:

Art sadly imitated life for John in the end. His The West Wing TV character, Chief of Staff Leo McGarry, had a history of alcoholism and suffered a heart attack. John, who was himself a recovered alcoholic (since 1989), died of a heart attack four days before his 59th birthday in December of 2005. See more »

Trademark:

Grey Hair See more »

Star Sign:

Sagittarius