John Spencer R.I.P

John Spencer, the actor who played Leo McGarry on 'The West Wing' has died of a heart attck. He was 58.

I once read on an internet site that "Jed, Sam, CJ, Toby, Josh, Charlie and Donna are my favourite characters. Leo is my second favourite character." At the time (it was many years ago) I agreed with it. But Leo became one of my faves. His gruff manner and dry wit won me over. Plus he looks awesome in a three piece suit (I have a thing for old guys).

I don't think I ever saw Spencer in anything else but he brought gravitas to this role. He was Leo. I never thought he was acting. When he won his Emmy for best supporting actor in 2002 I remember really liking his acceptance speech. I think he said he loved his wife. I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.

He had really great chemistry with the rest of the cast, particularly Martin Sheen (President Bartlett) and NiCole Robinson (Margaret). I'll miss Leo tremendously and I hope that something fitting is done to write out his character. 'The West Wing' has a history of doing this badly (Mandy, Sam).

( Here are some of my favourite Leo lines. )