Life Falls Short of Imitating Art

I think it was last season that The West Wing chief of staff Leo McGarry (John Spencer) suffered a heart attack shortly after being fired by the president (Martin Sheen). Leo recovered and returned to another position in the White House.

Sadly, in real life it turned out differently:

John Spencer, who played vice presidential candidate Leo McGarry on NBC's "The West Wing," died of a heart attack Friday, his publicist said. Spencer, 58, died at a Los Angeles hospital, said publicist Ron Hofmann. Hofmann released no other immediate details. Spencer's work on the show earned him an Emmy Award for supporting actor in a drama series in 2002, as well as a Golden Globe nomination. Before appearing on the hit political drama, Spencer played the quirky and charismatic New York attorney Tommy Mullaney on "L.A. Law." (AP)

Although I find the show's liberal politics laughable, I've always enjoyed The West Wing due to the quality writing, acting and casting. I thought Spencer was the perfect chief of staff and played the part very well. I also enjoyed his work on L.A. Law. He was a good actor, and he'll be missed.