Actor John Spencer, who played Leo McGarry on my favorite current TV show, The West Wing, died today at age 58. Dictionopolis has a lovely obit.
I feel so sad. And I say to myself, This is just an actor. You didn’t know him. You never met him. Yet I feel sad. I never know how to process these celebrity deaths; the ones that touch me even though I know that, at some level, it is insane to be touched. Ah, modern life.
John Spencer gave me a character with honesty, integrity, decency, and the fuck-all edge of edges. I believed in him. And I don’t think a character can present that much honesty without it being there in the actor. He touched me. I laughed with him and feared with him and regretted with him. And looked forward to seeing him again. That’s the blessing of TV & movies of course; he’ll live forever in repeats, and we’re lucky for it.
In the Craft we have a saying: “May you be born again among those who love you. And may you know, and remember, and love each other again.” Born again, John Spencer.
Nice thoughts. I share your feelings, wondering how to approach the death of someone I didn’t know but feel very touched by.
You are so right that Leo couldn’t be such a wonderful character without John Spencer giving part of himself. He was a fine actor and a good man.
Thanks, John, for all the great moments. Bless you.
The part that’s absolutely freaking me out is that I (and everyone who watches West Wing) already saw John Spencer (as Leo) have a heart attack. It’s eerie.